[Trombone-l] Morceau Symphonique title confusion?

[Ray Horton]

Nelween M. Gan wrote:
 > During my high school time,  I played this piece, but, I remember, 
Its titled "Concert Piece", now, i am confused.
 >
 >
It would seem, as far as I can determine with any certainty without 
seeing the MS MS <g>, "Morceau Symphonique" is the composer's original 
title.


A couple of English language publications, (International & Henry C. 
Smith's _Solos for the Trombone Player_ Collection, pub by Schirmer, to 
name two) have substituted "Concert Piece."   This, IMHO (having a whole 
two years of high school French back in the late 1800's) seems a weak 
translation, "Symphonic Piece" being more direct.  There are other solo 
works entitled "Morceau de Concert," which would be translated "Concert 
Piece."  (Then there are the pieces entitled "Morceau de Concours" which 
I believe is "Competition Piece.")


But everyone knows the Guilmant piece better as "Morceau Symphonique," 
which is a nicer title, anyway.


While there are quite a number of pieces published with the other two 
French titles, I have only found two other with the "Morceau 
Symphonique" title, the Gaubert piece for trombone and a Franck work for 
orchestra.


Trombonists and organists are the only instrumentalists who know and 
appreciate Guilmant, of course.  My wife and I went to a service at the 
Basilica (the newer of the two) in St. Louis last year and I was 
delighted to hear the organist tear into a lovely Guilmant work for the 
prelude.



Raymond Horton
Bass Trombonist,
Louisville Orchestra