Andantino, Op. 48, No. 9

Théodore-César Salomé (20 January 1834 – 26 July 1896) was born in Paris. He completed all of his musical studies at the Conservatoire de Paris, under the tutelage of François Bazin for harmony and accompaniment, and François Benoist for organ. He won several honorable awards, including: second prize in harmony (1855), second prize in organ and in harmony (1856), second and third prize in harmony and organ (1857), and second prize in harmony (1859). His cantata Atala was awarded the premier Second Grand Prix of the Prix de Rome in 1861. In the same year Théodore Dubois was awarded the first grand prize, and Eugène Anthiome and Titus Constantin won the deuxième Second Grand Prix. He was highly regarded, and served as "Choir Organist" at La Trinité in Paris for many
years.

I recall that Salomé was recommended for many major jobs, but for some reason, probably political, he never "got the big one," remaining as the "assistant" at La Trinité for the bulk of his career.

Rather than try to squeeze in some interesting facts, I'll give the link, so you can read the whole story: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Théodore_Salomé

"Andantino" is the ninth piece in "Dix pièces pour orgue, Op. 48". It is dedicated: "à Monsieur William C. Carl".

William Crane Carl (1865-1936) was a leading American organist and teacher. He was a student of Alexander Guilmant, and later organist of the First Presbyterian Church in New York CIty, where he started the Guilmant Organ School.

"Andantino" is rich and romantic, with a wonderfully expressive flow to the melodic lines and harmonies. It also features the rarely heard (at least in French romantic organ music) the 8' and 2' stops of the Récit. These colors are welcome, as it adds variety to the sound.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Salomé, one of William Crane Carl, and a period picture of La Trinité in Paris.

The concluding "Allegro symphonic, Op 48, No. 10" coming ASAP!