Chant pastoral

Théodore Dubois (1837–1924) rose from a fairly humble beginning to become an illustrious organist and composer. After learning piano with Louis Farnart, the choirmaster at Reims Cathedral, he was accepted in the Paris Conservatoire where he won the Prix de Rome in 1861. He served under Franck at St Clotilde and replaced Saint-Saëns at the Madeleine in 1877, whilst simultaneously teaching at the Conservatoire. In 1896, following the death of Léo Delibes, Dubois was appointed director of the Paris Conservatoire.

Dubois' organ works are perhaps the most performed of his compositions, particularly his two volumes of twelve pieces from 1889 and 1892. This _Chant pastoral_ is a charming, melancholy piece in the conservative style, so typical of Dubois' music. Written in ternary form, the shepherds' pipe, with is flowing melody, is characteristically captured in the music.

Although much modified, the organ of Nancy Cathedral retains much of Cavaillé-Coll's unmistakable sound and is thus perfect for this piece.