Fantaisie in E-flat major, Op. 101

Saint-Saëns was one of the great organists of the 19th century, succeeding Lefébure-Wély at the Madeleine in Paris in 1857 and holding the post for nearly 20 years. His three fantasies for organ show his mastery of the instrument's full timbral range. Op. 101 in E-flat major is the most frequently performed: a broad opening section of noble character gives way to a playful fugue before a triumphant return of the opening material in the full organ. Saint-Saëns's counterpoint is impeccable and his registration demands imaginative use of the French Romantic organ palette.