The Symphonie is cast in 4 movements, with a unifying motive consisting of an ascending arpeggio of D-F-A-D. The performer will note that even the key signatures of the 4 movements produce this same arpeggio. The opening Prélude was the last movement of the Symphonie to be composed, and also the shortest of its movements. Its purpose is primarily to set the tone for the rest of the work with a dramatic opening and closing, interspersed with more subdued sections. The second movement, Scherzo, was the first movement to be composed. After completing that movement, the idea of creating an entire Symphonie began to take place in Canfield’s mind, and he began work on the the third movement, Sicilienne, which features staccato figurations thrown back and forth between manuals and pedals, with very typical French harmonies. The Symphonie concludes with a vigorous and virtuosic Final, intended to show off the skills of the organist and bring the work to a powerful conclusion,... More > complete with trompettes en chamade.< Less
