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

Vingt préludes et versets Nr. 1-20 W. 9
Canon à deux parties Nr. 21 W. 9
Élévation W. 11
Élégie pour orgue W. 12
Pièce pour Grand Orgue W. 28
Cinq pièces d’orgues op. 5
Andante cantabile Nr. 1 op. 5
Pastorale Nr. 2 op. 5
Offertoire (Grand choeur) Nr. 3 op. 5
Offertoire (Préludium) Nr. 4 op. 5
Communion Nr. 5 op. 5
Fugue pour orgue dans le style de J.?S. Bach W. 88
Pastorale W. 134
Cantilène W. 143
Trois pièces pour harmonium
I Prière du matin W. 145
II Angélus W. 146
III Prière du soir W. 147
Fugue W. 152
Feuille d’album W. 153
Grand chœur W. 154

Glossary
Critical Commentary