Charles valentin alkan opus 35 12 etudes in all major keys piano 1848. Charlesvalentin alkan remains one of the most intriguing and alluring names among the pantheon of pianistcomposers. He was a close friend of chopin they were neighbours in paris and he was the only pianist in. The etudes are most notable for the inclusion of two of alkan s most famous solo piano pieces the symphony for solo piano comprising etudes nos. Comme le vent op39 no1, nocturne op22, allegro barbaro op35 no5.
Alkan was an interesting, though somewhat obscure figure. Sorabji described alkan s music as having beethovenian quality with berliozian aesthetics. Videos featuring the music of french composer charlesvalentin alkan, chopins enigmatic contemporary. The 5th etude is titled allegro barbaro, published in 1847, well over halfacentury before bartoks famous work of the same name, whose tremendous power it. The amusing part is that alkan s allegro barbaro is the f major etude in a cycle of etudes in all major keys he has a related cycle of etudes in all minor keys, too. Jack gibbons suona allegro barbaro, studio opus 35 no. Charlesvalentin alkan is one of the 19th centurys greatest composers for piano. Album alkan edition, charlesvalentin alkan by various. Both works have had their champions over the years from egon petri who recorded the symphony in 1952 now available on symposium, 8. E major, adagio, allegro moderato, andante lincendie au. Composer charlesvalentin alkan 18 88, with works available to browse and buy. He wrote some of the most unusual and technically difficult music of his time, an output that no less an authority than ferruccio busoni called the greatest achievement in piano music after liszt. Charlesvalentin alkan was one of the great composerpianists of the nineteenth century and a major influence on many subsequent musicians. Charles valentin alkan was one of the most important pianists and pianocomposers of the 19th century, although he lived the largest.
This posting briefly summarizes my encounters with a notsowell known composer, charlesvalentin alkan 18 1888, whose 200th birthday was on november 30th, last year. Douze etudes dans tous les tons majeurs en deux suites alternative. Official facebook page for the acclaimed concert pianist and composer jack gibbons. Alkan, charlesvalentin, 181, 18880329, nocturne in b major, op. Allegro barbaro alkan, a piece for solo piano by charlesvalentin alkan from his set of studies op. A welcome and much needed tribute to the most neglected genius of the 19th century. Charlesvalentin alkan was one of the most important pianists and pianocomposers of the 19th century, although he lived the largest part of his life in obscurity and seclusion. The extreme difficulty of alkan s piano music has kept it for many years from being recognized as it should be. Sheet music archive downloadable sheet music plus free classical. Allegretto a major allegro d major andantino g major presto c major allegro barbaro f major allegramente b. Charlesvalentin alkan edition various artists release.
Busoni placed him next to beethoven, chopin, schumann and liszt. Mark viner, performer charleshenri alkan, composer. Alkan and frankensteins monster, by the pianist and recording alkan with ronald smith, by r. List of compositions by charlesvalentin alkan wikipedia.
Valentin alkan as one of the most original romantic composers of the 19th century. Sole agents in the entire western hemisphere, leeds music corp. A new recording of alkan on piano classics, another milestone in piano classics crusade for the rehabilitation and recognition of charles. Charlesvalentin alkan was one of the great composerpianists of the 19th century and a major influence on many subsequent musicians. Most of his large works for piano such as his symphony etudes 47 of op. On his deathbed, chopin requested his unfinished and unpublished drafts to be given to alkan. For 20 years we provide a free and legal service for free sheet music without asking you anything in exchange. Find charlesvalentin alkan composition information on allmusic. The 5th etude is titled allegro barbaro, published in 1847, well over halfa century before bartoks famous work of the same name, whose tremendous power it. An unsociable and eccentric character, he died when a bookcase fell on top of him. Concerto pour piano seul esquisses toccatina etude alla barbaro label. The myths of alkan a look at the extraordinary life, music and legends surrounding chopins contemporary, charlesvalentin alkan transcript of talk for bbc radio 3 by jack gibbons music player. French composer of piano music requiring exceptional virtuosity. Charlesvalentin alkan twelve studies in all the major keys douze etudes dans tous les tons majeurs op.
The 12 studies in all the major keys follow the key sequence of ascending fourths. Jetais endormie, mais mon coeur veillait preludes op. Jack gibbons forthcoming easter concerts in oxford have sadly had to be postponed, but the exact same concerts will take place in the future as soon as it is safe to do so. If you use and like, thank you to consider support donation.