Organ Concerto in G Minor

Although he accepted the commission in 1934, Poulenc made little progress on his Organ Concerto until two years later—the tragic death of his friend Pierre-Octave Ferroud and his own renewed faith influencing a piece far different from his earlier concertos, not least with its austere scoring for timpani and strings. There are seven continuous sections, with the opening “Andante” confirming the intense seriousness of much that follows. Taut and impulsive, the “Allegro giocoso” sets up a distinct expressive contrast that is to be repeated henceforth. Much the longest section, the “Andante moderato” develops ideas from its predecessor in ingratiating terms, its ethereal aura finally shattered by another “Allegro” section with its agitated three-way dialogue. This subsides into a “Lento” of almost prayerful calm, then dramatic chords prepare an “Allegro” that displays a music-hall nonchalance more redolent of Offenbach than Bach. Ominous chords recalling those at the start presage a final “Largo” that gradually retreats almost into silence, but the combined forces have the last, fateful word. Premiered by Maurice Duruflé at the home of Princesse Edmond de Polignac (who commissioned it) on 16 December 1938, it quickly became one of the few such works since the Baroque era to enjoy frequent hearings.