Deuxième Prélude Profane JA 65, AWV 57bis, March 1933

Published posthumously (bis), this score presents many problems for the player. The six-note chords that accompany the melody have to be divided between left hand and pedals. Sometimes, three notes need to be played in the pedal and the melody requires some notes playing with the thumbs on a keyboard below. I am using the French layout GO., Pos., and Récit with the Positif above the Grande Orgue. Working this through is well worth it as this is such a rewarding piece of music.

Alain jotted the German words 'wieder einmal jetzt' above the first line (once again now). There is also some writing at the end of the piece which I cannot make out. Something like, 'Coliche Bréca - Mme Parails - Piano a le bouecex ah che pôptiot bê le... - Parpillon 15 ne.' If anyone can make any sense of that I would be grateful to hear back. I was able to see the manuscript (PO40) by donating 10 euros to the Association Jehan Alain. Well worth it as many mss. available to view (not download).