Prelude in B Major
Camille Saint-Saëns was a gifted musician, performer, and composer – a true prodigy. He wrote more than 300 works including symphonies, operas, organ, piano, and violin concertos, and more! Saint-Saëns was highly regarded by his contemporaries and did much to develop and solidly establish the French style of music in the Romantic era.
Trois Préludes et Fugues, Op. 99, written for organ, includes this "Prelude" No. 2 – which is graceful and melodic yet sophisticated and engaging. It features flowing, pastoral melodies featured in both the treble and bass, all supported by gentle triplet patterns which have the feel of calm tremolos. Arranged for David Harris and The Raleigh Ringers, this is a thoroughly ethereal and engaging setting which moderately-accomplished groups will certainly choose to include in their concert repertoire. Two compatible octave ranges make this a wonderful selection for festivals and massed ringing events.