Pièce Symphonique, Op. 11, No. 3

Charles Paul Florimond Quef (1 November 1873, Lille – 2 July 1931, Paris) studied at the conservatory in Lille, and later he attended the Paris Conservatory where he studied with Charles-Marie Widor, Louis Vierne and Alexandre Guilmant. From 1895 to 1898, he was organist of the Église Sainte-Marie-des-Batignolles and in 1898, organist of the Saint-Laurent church, Paris. In the same year, he was awarded the First prize for organ at the conservatory. Then he was appointed assistant organist and later, in November 1901, titular organist of the Église de la Ste.-Trinité, Paris, due to resignation of his predecessor Guilmant. He retained this post until his death in 1931.

Cinq Pièces pour Grand Orgue, Op. 11 were published by A. Pèrègally et Parvy fils in 1898. "Pièce symphonique" is the 3rd in a set of 5 pieces. It is dedicated "à men Maître Alexandre Guilmant".

I suppose that most of us think of storm and fire when we see the title, "Pièce symphonique," but in this case, the work is quite different! It is a gentle, but quickly-flowing work. It's the sort of piece that makes me say: "This sounds "so French," which I suppose is a silly thing to say! Still it reminds of the works of another "organist successor," Gabriel Pierne, who succeeded Franck at Ste. Clothilde.

This piece is offered as a double thank you:

1) Hauptwerk-Organ.com, the creators of this grand sample set. THANK YOU, Christopher! I am very grateful, and am looking forward to reviewing it, and learning more French music!

2) A SPECIAL THANK YOU to Francois Ratte! Francois is also known as "The Hauptwerk Consultant."

If you are a regular listener of mine, you'll know that I recently had to buy a new system. Fine though it was, it had many issues that needing tweaking. With his special expertise, Francois was able to solve ALL of them for me!

If you need help, he is the one to contact! MANY THANKS, Francois!

Contact me if you need help reaching him!

The score & photos are attached.