Toccata Sortie

Tonight I bring to you a fun little piece by the French Romantic composer (and lawyer) Auguste Larriu (1840-1925). This postlude in F major, which was new to me upon finding it this year, reminds me a lot of Lefebure-Wely's works; they don't take themselves too seriously. I think this is a fun little exploration of perpetuum mobile, so paradigmatic of the French Romantic toccata style, that ends with a grand chordal climax.

Performance notes: I took extra liberties with manual changes, not directed in the score, on this lovely French-style three manual instrument from Mannheim. I also doubled up the octaves in the manuals and pedals for the final chords. And I added a short trill on the penultimate leading tone. Given the light-hearted nature of the postlude, I felt inspired to contribute even more to its frivolity. I hope it doesn't offend. (As I understand, since the score is a restitution of the original, I think a little freedom is allowed and perfectly fine if staying true to the spirit of the piece.)