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- alkan: early works & juvenilia - charles-valentin alkan
Alkan: Early Works & Juvenilia
- 2025
- 9 tracks
- 1 uur, 12 min
- classical piano
Album Description
Charles-Valentin Alkan, one of the most formidable composer-pianists of the 19th century, takes center stage with his "Early Works & Juvenilia," a captivating collection of his formative compositions. This album, set for release on July 18, 2025, under the Piano Classics label, offers a unique glimpse into the early genius of Alkan, a figure who left an indelible mark on the world of classical piano.
Spanning a total of 72 minutes, this single-disc album comprises 12 tracks, each a testament to Alkan's prodigious talent and innovative spirit. From the intricate "Variations Sur Un Thème De Steibelt, Op. 1" to the lively "Rondeau Chromatique, Op. 12," the album showcases a range of styles and techniques that hint at the virtuoso he would become. The inclusion of pieces like "Il Était Un P'tit Homme" and "Ah! Segnata È La Mia Sorte" from Donizetti's opera "Anna Bolena" demonstrates Alkan's versatility and his ability to blend different musical influences into his own unique voice.
Born in Paris in 1813, Alkan was a child prodigy whose career as a virtuoso pianist began with great promise. His music, characterized by its technical complexity and emotional depth, has continued to inspire and challenge musicians for generations. This album, part of the "Complete Piano Music" series, is a vital addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection, offering a rare opportunity to experience the early works of a true master of the piano.
Tracks
- Variations Sur Un Thème De Steibelt, Op. 1Charles-Valentin Alkan, Mark Viner
- Les Omnibus, Variations, Op. 2Charles-Valentin Alkan, Mark Viner
- Il Était Un P'tit Homme, Rondoletto, Op. 3Charles-Valentin Alkan, Mark Viner
- Rondo Brillant Pour Piano Et Cordes Ad Libitum, Op. 4Charles-Valentin Alkan, Mark Viner
- Variations À La Vielle Sur L'air Chanté Par Mme. Persiani Dans L'elisir D'amore De G. DonizettiCharles-Valentin Alkan, Mark Viner
- Ah! Segnata È La Mia Sorte De L'opéra Anna Bolena De Donizetti, Varié, Op. 16 No. 4Charles-Valentin Alkan, Mark Viner
- Air Des Capulets Et Des Montaigus De Bellini, (La Tremenda Ultrice Spada), Varié, Op. 16 No. 5Charles-Valentin Alkan, Mark Viner
- Variations Quasi Fantaisie Sur Une Barcarolle Napolitaine, Op. 16 No. 6Charles-Valentin Alkan, Mark Viner
- Rondeau Chromatique, Op. 12Charles-Valentin Alkan, Mark Viner
About Charles-Valentin Alkan
Charles-Valentin Alkan, born Charles-Valentin Morhange in Paris in 1813, was a French composer and virtuoso pianist whose name is synonymous with some of the most technically demanding piano works ever written. At the peak of his career in the 1830s and 1840s, Alkan stood alongside Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt as one of Paris's leading pianists. His compositions, known for their extraordinary difficulty and innovative piano technique, often explore themes and variations with a remarkable ability to evoke vivid imagery, from a menagerie of animals to intricate musical narratives. Despite his prowess, Alkan's later life took a reclusive turn, adding to his enigmatic legacy. His most celebrated work, "Le Festin d'Esope," showcases his unique musical language and remains a cornerstone of his repertoire, beloved by classical piano enthusiasts worldwide.
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