This is the first of Franck's canonical Pièces (6) pour grand orgue, Opp. 16-21, a set that includes the massive Grande pièce symphonique. The Fantasy is comparatively modest but still substantial; it's dedicated to fellow organist Charles-Alexis Chauvet, who immersed Franck in the music of Bach. Indeed, Bach's influence is stronger in this piece than Franck's own; the piece relies heavily on canonic writing and involves very little of Franck's signature chromaticism. A simple, repetitive pastoral melody provides a gentle opening for the Fantasy. Franck soon pumps up the volume and thickens the texture (including imposing pedal notes) through canonic writing without really elaborating the tune itself. The next section, Allegro cantando, dips into F minor for a flowing, lyrical interlude sharing the simplicity of the Fantasy's first measures. Again, canonic writing enriches and enlivens this section. When the music thins out again, pedal tones create a drone that gives the melody a more rustic character. An imposing bridge passage seems to announce a mighty processional, but instead it makes way for a quiet, innocent meditation that doubles as a long, slow, gentle coda.

© James Reel, Rovi