Saint-Saens and the Organ - Hardcover

Smith, Rollin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0945193149 ISBN 13: 9780945193142

Publisher: Pendragon Pr, 1993

Synopsis

Hailed by Franz Liszt as the world's greatest organist, Camille Saint-Saëns was revered by his contemporaries for his ingenious improvisations, his mastery of the art of registration, his virtuosity, and his eclectic organ compositions. Saint-Saëns's technique and style developed out of what remained of the French classic tradition that survived into 19th century use, bridged the entire career of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, and continued well into the 20th century. Rollin Smith, author of The Organ Works of César Franck, provides an insightful biographical view of Saint-Saëns as organist and composer, including detailed chapters on the construction and settings of instruments he played (the harmonium, the Aeolian organ, and the Cavaillé-Coll organs, among others). Within the eleven appendices are essays by and about Saint-Saëns; recordings of his performances; specifications of selected organs that he played; and a thematic catalogue of his works for harmonium and organ.

About this title

Review

...meticulously researched, well written, and carefully edited. ...a piece of first-rate scholarship that is at the same time accessible and absorbing. --John Ogasapian, The Tracker, vol. 37 no. 2.

A truly impressive tome that should be on every organ music lovers bookshelves. Rollin Smith has set a gold standard for writing in this subject area. --David Baker in The Organ, No. 327.

Highly recommended for libraries at all levels. --K. Thomerson, Choice, June 1993.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pendragon Pr
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0945193149
• ISBN 13: 9780945193142
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 352