Final (Allegro) : Symphony II in E minor, Op. 20

V. Final (Allegro)

This explosive Final brings my five-part presentation of Louis Vierne’s Symphony No. 2 to its thrilling, virtuosic climax. Across the previous four installments, we have tracked the dramatic evolution of the two core musical motifs introduced in the opening Allegro. Having guided these themes through a majestic Choral, a diabolical Scherzo, and a melancholy Cantabile, Vierne uses this fifth and final movement to unleash the ultimate resolution of the symphony’s overarching emotional tension.
The Final is a high-octane showcase designed for the monumental tonal canvas of the Cavaillé-Coll organ at Notre-Dame de Paris. After a 'maestoso' lntroduction, the Finale immediately drives forward in a relentless march where the main cyclic theme returns in a driving, swashbuckling transformation. Vierne exploits the full orchestral power of the instrument, weaving through dense chromatic modulations to build a manic, unstoppable momentum. The long-brewing conflict finally breaks in the closing pages, shifting from a tragic E minor into a blinding, triumphant E major.
Debussy heard the Symphony at its premiere (played by its dedicatee Charles Mulin) and commented that 'The Symphonie of M. Vierne is a remarkable work; it contains abundant musicianship with ingenious discoveries in the special sonority of the organ. Old J. S. Bach, the father of us all, would have been pleased with M. Vierne'.

The first movement, Allegro Risoluto can be found here (with the same performer and instrument):
https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/63880

The second, Choral, here: https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/64144

The third, Scherzo, here: https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/64440

The fourth, Cantabile, here: https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/64583