French organist and composer, Marcel Dupré (1886-1971) is also remembered as a significant pedagogue. His Complete Course in Organ Improvisation is for beginners of organ improvisation, who have previously acquired some organ technique. The second volume gives focus to organ technique, basics of natural harmony, elements of theme, counterpoint and chorale, the suite, the fugue, the variation and the triptych, symphonic forms and free forms, among other musical aspects. Dupré studied at the Paris Conservatoire with Louis Vierne and Charles-Marie Widor, where he won prizes for piano, organ and fugue, as well as the Grand Prix de Rome. He was a famous organ virtuoso and was able to perform the entire works composed for the instrument by J. S. Bach from memory. Dupré's compositions and didactic works remain important to organists today and his Complete Course in Organ Improvisation is no exception. |
