The “Sonata eroïca”, the organ work that was to become his compositional hallmark, was written by Joseph Jongen (1873–1953) in probably just five days between 18 and 25 September 1930. He evidently composed his opus 94 from beginning to end with precise foresight of the respective steps, as the extremely neatly written autograph indicates. Composed as a commission for the inauguration of the new Stevens organ for the Brussels Palace of Fine Arts, the “Sonata” is probably his best-known work today and is included in the third volume of this edition.

Similar to César Franck, who was also born in Liège, Jongen found a recognisable musical language in his oeuvre, which is characterised, among other things, by harmonic colourfulness, references to chorale singing and Walloon folklore.

Jongen’s organ works include compositions of varying degrees of difficulty, from simpler pieces notated on two systems to virtuoso works for the professional organist.

This first Urtext edition which is also the first complete edition of Jongen’s organ and harmonium works presents the compositions in three volumes, arranged chronologically. The edition includes a Foreword (Eng/Ger) with notes on performance practice and a Critical Commentary (Eng).

Preface

In Memoriam (Quatre Improvisations pour Harmonium) op. 63
I Requiem Nr. 1 op. 63
II Pie Jesu Nr. 2 op. 63
III Quid sum miser Nr. 3 op. 63
IV Recordare Jesu pie Nr. 4 op. 63
Quatre Pièces pour Harmonium
I Allegretto W. 217
II Évocation héroïque W. 218
III Menuet gracieux W. 219
IV Marche solennelle W. 220
Sonata eroïca op. 94
Toccata op. 104
Petite Pièce W. 313
Petit Prélude (Aria) W. 319
Petit Caprice W. 375
Deux Pièces pour orgue op. 108
Scherzetto Nr. 1 op. 108
Prière Nr. 2 op. 108
Improvisation-Pastorale W. 338
Prélude et fugue op. 121
Gaudeamus Verset pour la Fête de l’Assomption W. 350

Appendix 1: Légende W. 287
Appendix 2: Sonata eroïca – ossias

Glossary
Critical Commentary