Prélude, fugue et variation

Historical context

Prélude, fugue et variation, Op. 18 stands as one of Franck’s six great organ pieces from his second musical period. This significant work bears opus number 18 and is dedicated to the esteemed composer Saint-Saëns. Its importance extends beyond the organ, as the composer himself created a very well-known arrangement for harmonium and piano.

The piece is notable for containing “in embryo the new forms that Franck later elaborated in his final pianoforte compositions.” Its fugue, in particular, possesses “real charm and melody,” distinguishing itself from what were described as “the insipid classroom fugues of the time.”

Drawn from Indy, Vincent d’, 1851-1931, Cesar Franck; a translation from the French of Vincent d’Indy (1922) — public domain, archive.org.