Guilmant - Sonata No. 2 D Major Op. 50 for Organ

Guilmant's eight sonatas are based on classical standards. Originally intended for the Cavaille-Coll organ, they can be performed just as well on organs outside of France. At the time they were written, they were a novelty for the organ and its literature, both of which had declined in importance in the 19th century. Guilmant's compositions, rich in melody and harmony and perfect compositional technique, reflect the tonal possibilities and richness of color of the organs at his disposal. His inventiveness and fluid compositional technique influenced the development of the organ fugue in a similar way to how Mendelssohn had influenced the piano fugue. During the quarter century in which Guilmant wrote his organ sonatas, significant changes took place in instrumental playing technique. Greater demands were now placed on both player and instrument. Sonata No. 2 D Major Op. 50 Composer: Alexandre Guilmant Publisher: Schott Music Instrument: Organ Pages: 20