LEFEBURE-WELY: The King's Guards, played on Mustel harmonium

Louis James Alfred Lefébure-Wély (1817-1869) served as titular organist in the Parisian churches of St. Roch, La Madeleine and St. Sulpice. A popular recitalist and prolific composer, he wrote music for reed organs throughout his career. The full title of this Rondo is "La Ronde des Gardes du Roi," and it was dedicated to Madame Henri Binder. The composer probably would not have hesitated to play this as a processional during Mass, but it was published as a salon piece in a set entitled "Nuits Napolitaines," his Op. 183, published in 1868. In his preface to this volume, Lefébure-Wély praised the harmoniums made by Victor Mustel and his sons. Michael Hendron performs on his own Mustel harmonium, built in Paris in 1887. Recorded 3 November 2011.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Lefebure-Wely
• harmonium
• reed
• organ
• King's
• Guards
• Rondo
• Mustel
• Michael
• Hendron
• Paris
• Chippewa
• engineer
• Henri
• Bin

[michaelsmusicservice]

I specialize in decadent organ music, and Lefébure-Wély is King of Decadent. Great piece, really fine organ. Are those handles I see?

[Mustel1887]

Hello Michael, yes the harmonium has beautiful cast handles. They work, but they become rather painful to hold for any length of time. For decadence, wait 'til you hear what Gustave Tritant does with Adeste Fidelis! ...Soon. Cheers.

[NEWbobofhollywood]

Magnificent! 

[esmeraldafanning]

I'm with albanybeardguy, Uncle Michael, fun piece and awesome boots! :-)

[vicw1224]

Interesting piece leaving me wondering where it was going. Nice job Michael!

[Musique3579]

Really nice piece and the playing is outstanding. (Legatos, staccatos and loved the phrasing!) Wonderful Harmonium! :-)

[albanybeardguy]

Fine playing- but I'm also admiring your boots.

[lindeman1913]

Dangerously calliopesque moments around 1'19" and 2'0", but you're right - LJALW would scarcely have hesitated before using this as an Offertoire ;-} Fine piece; thanks!