Prelude, Fugue and Variation

This piece was originally composed strictly for the organ. The composer eventually transcribed it as a duet for several different combinations of instruments (piano & organ, two pianos, piano & harmonium, etc.) He dedicated the piece to Camille Saint-Saens, who composed the second piece on this recital program. The melodic clarity indicated in the Prelude reminds one of Saint-Saens’ style of composition, while the Fugue was more likely influenced by Franck’s through study of Bach’s music.