Pastorale, Op. 19

César Franck (1822-1890), originally from Liège was one of the most famous Parisian organ masters. So no further details concerning his life.

The Pastorale Op 19 is the fourth piece of the famous six pieces. It is a very well balanced piece of three parts: A B A'. The first and last part make use of the Hautbois together with some foundation stops, which is one of Francks preferred registrations. The middle part is contrasted using the Trumpet of the Recit as color. This registration is only possible on organs having a very harmonic trumpet and a well-closing swell box.

It is dedicated "A son ami Monsieur Aristice Cavaillé-Coll" himself and was written perhaps in 1863.