THOUGH SAINT-SAËNS was the premiere organist in France, biographies have largely neglected his work and influence as an organist and composer for the organ. Rollin Smith’s new study, the first in 25 years, follows Saint-Saëns’ life and and career with discussions of specific organs, other musicians, liturgical practice in Paris churches, and even the political background of the time. Nine appendices include a commentary on Saint-Saën’s sacred music by Louis Vierne, the organs he played with specifications, recordings, a thematic catalog, variants for the three rhapsodies. Published by Pendragon. 352 pages hardbound and illustrated. |