French organist and composer Eugène Gigout (1844-1925) published his 6 Pièces d’rogue in 1881 with the Grand Choeur Dialogue serving as a quasi-finale to the set. Yet, it also makes a wonderful opener to an organ-based concert.

Employing accidentals (sharps and flats) rather than formal key changes, Grand Choeur Dialogué’s simple four-bar melody moves in and out of a variety of key centers. Its six-minute duration breaks down into three fairly equal parts. The first maintains a persistent antiphonal pattern (answering back and forth from one “chorus” to another), while the second part develops more imitatively with a contrapuntal texture. The final section brings back the antiphonal gestures of the first, a recap of sorts with a mini coda.

Program Note by IPO Board Member 
Charles Amnta, M.D