A musical contribution - August 2010
Dear organist, We offered you a piece by a German composer before the summer holiday, which is why we would like to focus on a Frenchman now the summer break is done: Edmond Lemaigre (1849-1890).
This relatively unknown artist-composer studied in Paris, was the Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral’s honorary organist (from 1877 to 1885) and founded the l’Association Artistique du Centre in this town.
There are unfortunately very few compositions available which were produced by him, although he apparently did write a great deal. You can listen to a beautiful “Prière” on my anniversary CD (2009). But even this allegretto in all its simplicity is a jewel in itself. It’s really the second prelude from: Deux Preludes.
Lemaigre wrote an oboe for on the “recit” entirely according to French traditions. I would arrange the accompanying registration in line with the strength of your reed stop. If you have a beautifully soft reed pipe at your disposal, then a flute 8 on the left hand side may already be sufficient. If the melody has a stronger register, then a 4 foot flute can be added.
I would certainly recommend a visit to the Cathedral if you are ever in the vicinity of Clermont-Ferrand. It appears the name “Edmond Lemaigre” can still be found somewhere. And if you ever manage to find any of the fruits of his writing, then I certainly look forward to hearing about it.
With Kind Regards,
André van Vliet
