CONCERTO DEGLI AMICI DEL FESTIVAL

C. Franck, Fantaisie in A major for organ from Trois Pièces pour Grand Orgue
C.-M. Widor, March from Symphonie No. 3 Op. 13
Variations on Puer natus est from Symphonie Gothique Op. 70
A. Guilmant, Scherzo Symphonique Op. 55 No. 2
L. Vierne, Étoile du soir Op. 54 No. 3 from Pièces de Fantaisie pour Grand Orgue
M. Dupré, Cortège et Litanie Op. 19 No. 2

This year, the organ of Gignese resounds with the grandeur of the French school. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, in the French capital, a musical context emerged in which organ music, following in the footsteps of César Franck—its guiding spirit—became a central presence in cultural life. This development was supported by the magnificent organs built by Cavaillé-Coll and his successors, among the finest instruments made in Europe at the turn of the two centuries.

The composers featured in this evening’s programme were able to embrace the liturgical function of the organ and merge it with symphonic and orchestral musical forms.

The organ of the parish church of Gignese holds a special civic significance: it was commissioned during the Second World War. Built by the Mascioni company of Varese, it was inaugurated in 1944 under the supervision of the occupying troops.

Each year, Maestro Emanuele Vianelli returns to play this organ, preserving the memory of its courageous creation. Trained with renowned teachers, from 2004 to 2024 Vianelli served as principal organist of Milan Cathedral. He is active as both teacher and concert performer. He is Honorary Artistic Director of the Accademia Romana César Franck.