Priere, Op. 158 [Alf:36-M284491]

Saint-SaĞns composed Pri¨re, or Prayer, for violoncello and organ, Op. 158 in 1919. It is a simple and catchy tune: The cantabile beginning is followed by an expressive middle section which leads back to the quiet beginning. The organ part can also be played on piano as it is meant for a double-manual instrument and the few pedal notes are marked "ad libitum" by the composer. In 1920, a year after the initial publication of Pri¨re, the original publisher also published an adaptation for violin, Op. 158b. Due to their meditative character, both versions are ideal for concert or liturgical performances.