Cinq Pièces Faciles pour Orgue ou Piano

This collection of five short pieces was published in 1987 by Leduc. It seemingly contains pieces that had not previously been published and dating between 1922/3 and 1936. The AWV numbers and dates of composition are:

1. Complaint à la mode ancienne AWV 35, 1932
2. Fugue en mode de Fa AWV 30, 1932
3. Verset – Choral AWV 19, 1931
4. Berceuse AWV 87, 1936
5. Canon pour harmonium et piano AWV 60, 1922/23

The first piece was written for Alain’s six-year old sister, Marie-Claire (‘pour que Poucette joue l'orgue de Valloires’) and each note is fingered for her. It is supposed to last 90 seconds, but this timing results in a very slow tempo.

Although the pieces are described as ‘easy’, they do contain some challenging moments (measures 14-16, 'Berceuse'). Bass pitches are used that are fine on the piano but require playing an octave higher using 16’ stops measures 5-10 and 22-30, 'Verset-Choral').

'Berceuse' is a charming miniature and possibly portrays a parent trying to settle their baby who is putting up a little resistance to sleep. Alain’s subheading ‘(chanson du 17 avril 36.)’ gives a date too early for a song sung to baby Lise who was born to the Alains in June 1936. His young sister Marie-Claire was 10 years old in 1936 and so, far too old for such things!

I have included my arrangement of Canon for organ. Leduc graciously inserts a copy of the piece for the second player and stipulates ‘Harmonium (ou Orgue)’.