Alexandre Guilmant was one of the greatest representatives of the French Romantic organ school, and composed almost exclusively for his instrument. A rare exception is this “Morceau symphonique,” written in 1902 for the Paris Conservatoire's annual trombone class competition. The charming piece soon found its way into the repertoire – as did Saint-Saëns's “Cavatine” (HN 1119) – and is today among the essential standard works of trombone literature. The “Morceau symphonique” is here offered in its first-ever Urtext edition, based on the autograph and the first edition. We also offer here a particularly special treat: the sight-reading piece that Guilmant wrote for the same competition, which had until now slumbered in the archives and is here published for the very first time.
Alexandre Guilmant was one of the greatest representatives of the French Romantic organ school, and composed almost exclusively for his instrument. A rare exception is this “Morceau symphonique,” written in 1902 for the Paris Conservatoire's annual trombone class competition. The charming piece soon found its way into the repertoire – as did Saint-Saëns's “Cavatine” (HN 1119) – and is today among the essential standard works of trombone literature. The “Morceau symphonique” is here offered in its first-ever Urtext edition, based on the autograph and the first edition. We also offer here a particularly special treat: the sight-reading piece that Guilmant wrote for the same competition, which had until now slumbered in the archives and is here published for the very first time.