The Suite Gothique is the most well-known of Boëllmann’s works. It is made up four movements: ‘Introduction—Chorale’, ‘Menuet Gothique’, ‘Prière à Notre-Dame’ and ‘Toccata’, the latter two of which are often performed as pieces in their own right. The short but imposing ‘Introduction’ states an original chorale theme, with each bold phrase being subject to an echo, a trait that is reversed in the sprightly and more extensive ‘Menuet Gothique’. The mood changes completely for the pious and lyrical ‘Prière à Notre-Dame’, which introduces an assuring sense of calm. The calm is irreparably interrupted by the moto perpetuo of the closing ‘Toccata’, which grows organically yet unremittingly towards a monumental climax and resolution.

from notes by Adam Binks © 2009