Alexandre Guilmant (1837-1911) was a French composer, organist, and teacher, renowned for his significant contributions to the late Romantic organ repertoire. Born in Boulogne-sur-Mer, Guilmant showed early musical talent and studied at the Paris Conservatoire with prestigious figures like François Benoist and Anton Reicha.
As an organist, he held prominent positions at various Parisian churches, including La Trinité. Guilmant’s prolific output includes compositions for organ, chamber music, and orchestral works. He became a leading figure in the French organ school, leaving an enduring legacy through his compositions and teachings.
Guilmant’s Symphony No. 2 in A for Organ exemplifies the grandeur of late 19th-century French Romantic music. Written in 1901, the symphony is a testament to the organ’s capabilities, exploiting its full range of colours and dynamics in opposition and dialogue with the orchestra.
Surrounding works from this era, such as organ symphonies by Widor, Vierne and Saint-Saëns provide a broader context. These compositions share a commitment to expansive structures, rich harmonies, and a virtuosic approach to the organ, showcasing the instrument’s versatility during a period marked by innovation and experimentation.
The work is an orchestral transcription of his Sonata for Organ No.8, and has one of the most wonderful openings of any piece I know:
- Introduction and Allegro risoluto
- Adagio con affetto
- Scherzo
- Andante sostenuto
- Intermede and Allegro con brio
Listening Project 