Quatorze morceaux, Op. 10: 11. Les claviers séparés: Andante

Alexandre Pierre François Boëly (1785 - 1858)

Boely was a French musician, starting life as a pianist. He became organist late in life, being first appointed to a position at the age of 49. In 1840 he was appointed organist at St-Germain-l'Auxerrois, in Paris. Here he modified the organ to add a German style pedalboard and several stops allowing him to play the music of Bach. His style wasn't liked - it was too boring and old fashioned for his congregation, who expected operatic works, such as those by Lefubure-Wely. He was sacked in 1851 and died a lowly piano teacher. However, he was sought out by Franck and Saint-Saens to teach them.

Boely was heavily influenced by Bach. He played pieces by him every Sunday at home and supposedly the only picture in Boely's house was a portrait of Bach.


I was introduced to Boely's works by Daniel Roth (not personally!) but through his CD a couple of years ago. I was immediately hooked. I had no idea who he was but this music stood out from other mid-19th century French works. It was baroque in nature, at times bordering plagiarism of Bach.

This is a simple piece but it is very lovely.