My thanks to harry for his excellent review of Louise's 2nd Symphony. I now have her three symphonies together with chamber works courtesy of Ambache. Here is a composer who really knew how to use intruments and these works ought to be better known. I won't say I can whistle the tunes after a single hearing but I can't do that for Brahms. What is important is whether or not the music becomes recognisable to me and I believe it will.
There is an excellent article on Louise Ferranc in Wikipedia and I do find it reprehensible that an established composer, who was also a virtuoso pianist, professor of piano at the Paris Conservatoire for thirty years and also compiler of an important anthology of early music receives not a mention in my music encyclopaedia. Is this an abject failure in scholarship or gross prejudice?
Quote from: Ten thumbs on November 17, 2007, 09:18:25 AM
My thanks to harry for his excellent review of Louise's 2nd Symphony. I now have her three symphonies together with chamber works courtesy of Ambache. Here is a composer who really knew how to use intruments and these works ought to be better known. I won't say I can whistle the tunes after a single hearing but I can't do that for Brahms. What is important is whether or not the music becomes recognisable to me and I believe it will.
There is an excellent article on Louise Ferranc in Wikipedia and I do find it reprehensible that an established composer, who was also a virtuoso pianist, professor of piano at the Paris Conservatoire for thirty years and also compiler of an important anthology of early music receives not a mention in my music encyclopaedia. Is this an abject failure in scholarship or gross prejudice?
And she was a beautiful woman, a woman in that time......composing writing, getting babies, being a professor. That was not a normal thing for a woman in that time. And indeed she wrote magnificent music to boot. By now I have all what is recorded....
Quote from: Ten thumbs on November 17, 2007, 09:18:25 AM
....Is this an abject failure in scholarship or gross prejudice?
Gross prejudice. Ferrenc is no mystery to any music scholar, but giving her her just due as a fine musician is more than can be handled, apparently. Then or now. :)
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Now playing: New York Philomusica - K 251 Divertimento #11 in D 2nd mvmt - Allegro molto
I bought two cpo CDs several years ago with her three symphonies and two concert overtures, and have recently come back to them. I always really liked them, but now that I've been getting more into Romantic-era music, this time I'm absolutely blown away... specifically by the Symphony #1 in C minor. Now that I've been listening to this work again - repeatedly! - it strikes me as a truly great symphony. Taken as a set, her complete orchestral works are just staggering to me; maybe I'm alone in this, but I honestly can't get enough of all of these works lately. Especially the first movements of all three are just incredible! The scherzo of the Symphony #3 also seems like a Raff-like work of genius.
Maybe they're cherry picking what "they" consider Farrenc's best works, but I got some of her chamber music and there are a Piano Sextet and Piano Trio that are just magnificent. I understand that the Piano Sextet is often considered her finest work. Unfortunately, there really isn't much more to record, as she didn't write all that much. What I wouldn't give for a Symphony #4!
As far as I'm concerned, based on the few works I have, Farrenc has one of the highest batting averages of all composers.
By the way, note the spelling of her name: Farrenc.
Quote from: JoshLilly on November 17, 2007, 12:34:40 PM
I bought two cpo CDs several years ago with her three symphonies and two concert overtures, and have recently come back to them. I always really liked them, but now that I've been getting more into Romantic-era music, this time I'm absolutely blown away... specifically by the Symphony #1 in C minor. Now that I've been listening to this work again - repeatedly! - it strikes me as a truly great symphony. Taken as a set, her complete orchestral works are just staggering to me; maybe I'm alone in this, but I honestly can't get enough of all of these works lately. Especially the first movements of all three are just incredible! The scherzo of the Symphony #3 also seems like a Raff-like work of genius.
Maybe they're cherry picking what "they" consider Farrenc's best works, but I got some of her chamber music and there are a Piano Sextet and Piano Trio that are just magnificent. I understand that the Piano Sextet is often considered her finest work. Unfortunately, there really isn't much more to record, as she didn't write all that much. What I wouldn't give for a Symphony #4!
As far as I'm concerned, based on the few works I have, Farrenc has one of the highest batting averages of all composers.
By the way, note the spelling of her name: Farrenc.
Well I wrote quite enthusiastic reviews when I listen to them a month or so ago..
And you are right, you keep playing them over and over again....
I have a CD of her chamber music on Harmonia Mundi. It's nice.
Quote from: Daverz on November 17, 2007, 06:15:25 PM
I have a CD of her chamber music on Harmonia Mundi. It's nice.
The only ones I've seen (and gotten) were on CPO. I'll have to check this out. Thanks for the tip, Dave. :)
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Now playing: Stamitz Clarinet Concerti - Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia - Carl Stamitz Concerto in Bb for 2 Clarinets 2nd mvmt - Andante moderato
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on November 17, 2007, 06:23:07 PM
The only ones I've seen (and gotten) were on CPO. I'll have to check this out. Thanks for the tip, Dave. :)
Here it is: http://www.amazon.com/Louise-Farrenc-Musique-Gilbert-Audin/dp/B000A2ACI8
Quote from: Daverz on November 17, 2007, 06:28:47 PM
Here it is: http://www.amazon.com/Louise-Farrenc-Musique-Gilbert-Audin/dp/B000A2ACI8
Thanks. Put it in the cart. :)
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BIBER : Violin Sonatas - Andrew Manze (Disc 1) - Nigel North - Passacaglia for solo lute
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on November 17, 2007, 06:33:38 PM
Thanks. Put it in the cart. :)
That's a very good recording, although I admit I haven't listened to it in quite a while.
I'm glad we have a Farrenc thread! I own the CPO disc featuring her first and third symphonies, and although the third didn't make much of an impression the First Symphony is an absolute masterwork. It's impossible not to be drawn in by the uneasy introduction, quietly questioning, trying to find resolution, and suddenly interrupted by a massive fortissimo drum roll! The main melodies are terrific and all in all the symphony is tremendous.
Hector Berlioz said, "she is a good orchestrator, for a woman." I would amend that comment to this: "she is a good orchestrator, for a 19th-century symphonist who wasn't Hector Berlioz." ;D
For those interested in Farrenc, try Alice Mary Smith (1839-1884), the first British woman symphonist (at least of note)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/613YW0VPGXL._AA240_.jpg)
This isn't merely a historical curiosity, but really good music.
Anybody heard this "Musique de chambre" on Valois?
http://www.amazon.com/Louise-Farrenc-Musique-Gilbert-Audin/dp/B000A2ACI8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1195392980&sr=1-5
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31B5SPH9N4L._AA240_.jpg)
Quote from: rubio on November 18, 2007, 04:38:24 AM
Anybody heard this "Musique de chambre" on Valois?
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31B5SPH9N4L._AA240_.jpg)
That's the one that Daverz, Wanderer and I were talking about above. Daverz says Harmonia Mundi, but it is Valois, although maybe this is a reissue? Anyway, they recommend it and I'm planning on finding out... :)
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Now playing: Beetho 9 Lucerna - Wilhelm Furtwängler - - Andante maestoso - Allegro energico - Prestissimo
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on November 18, 2007, 05:04:09 AM
That's the one that Daverz, Wanderer and I were talking about above. Daverz says Harmonia Mundi, but it is Valois,
Well, it's French at least... :-\
Sorry about the spelling! It was thumb trouble.
The piano trio coupling with Berwald looks interesting. There are also at least two recordings of the piano quintets. Any recommendations?
Well, I'd like to revive this thread on Louise Farrenc (1804-1875), who I've just discovered - must have missed this thread on its first appearance, but a month or so back, I acquired the Piano Quintets, Op. 30 & 31 - just marvelous on the CPO label; so decided to obtain some more of her orchestral compositions, i.e. the Symphonies, Nos. 1-3 & Overtures, also on CPO w/ the ever productive Goritzki! Listening to these CDs while typing - symphonies composed in the 1840s!
Amazing gal - brilliant pianist, excellent teacher (only female professor in the 19th century @ the Paris Conservatoire), and composer of about 50 works w/ Opus numbers - sad personal life w/ an only daughter dying to TB in her early 30s (an outstanding pianist & budding composer) - short but good Wiki Article HERE (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louise_Farrenc) - the CPO liner notes are extensive & excellent!
I'd like to acquire some more chamber works & also some solo piano compositions - so bring on the recommendations, please! :D
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/369885409_4HF6n-M.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/354435600_dUTS4-M.jpg)
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I discovered Louise Farrenc over a year ago when I heard one of the piano quintets at a concert. Since then, I have bought the CDs of the symphonies and I intend to buy more. I find her music to be better than much I have heard from "forgotten" composers from around the same time. It is a shame that she was forgotten for so long. Hopefully she will be "discovered" now and more of her music will end up on concert programs.
Heather
I have the Sextet (Piano and wind) Op40, the Nonet (Strings and wind) Op38 and the Trio (Piano, flute and cello) Op45 on the Ambache label. These are lively performances but I cannot give a comparison.
I'm pleased to see the Nonet in a programme to be given shortly by the Esbjerg Ensemble (Skipton, 21st October) but sadly I shall be traveling in Australia at the time.
That piano quintets disc is indeed a good one! A composer of related interest worth hearing is the Victorian Alice Mary Smith:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/613YW0VPGXL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Well, time to bring this thread TTT after a year in hibernation - ;D
Just acquired and am now listening to the disc below - Piano Trios & Sextet w/ the Linos Ensemble (who also perform in her Piano Quintets on CPO); comments about her life & career made previously. This disc was recommended in the GMG forum and also has received a strong endorsement from Scott on Amazon HERE (http://www.amazon.com/Louise-Farrenc-Piano-Trios-Sextet/dp/B001UWOIXM/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1252687005&sr=8-6)!
So, any new experiences or acquisitions of Farrenc's music to discuss or recommend? :)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61qQkCIWtJL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
I recently bought the two CPO discs with the symphonies and overtures. She's very good in my opinion. Personally I'm impressed the most with symphony No.2.
Quote from: jhar26 on April 05, 2010, 12:59:35 PM
I recently bought the two CPO discs with the symphonies and overtures. She's very good in my opinion. Personally I'm impressed the most with symphony No.2.
Glad to see this thread come to life again! ;D Still own the 4 discs posted previously - have not checked to see 'what' new may have appeared in the interim, but would be curious! :)
Quote from: Harry on November 17, 2007, 09:24:55 AM
That was not a normal thing for a woman in that time.
It was as normal then as it is now.
Below is a post that I just left in the 'listening thread' - thought a duplication here would be appropriate:
Farrenc, Louise (1804-1875) -
Piano Works w/ Konstanze Eickhorst (recorded in 2002); rather brief
Fanfare review from 2004, which I find rather dismissive & chauvinistic, but I don't know the reviewer that well - this is my 6th disc of
Farrenc's music (all on the CPO label); the playing is persuasive and sympathetic, and the sound recording of the piano excellent. The music is quite pleasant and varied - no not Chopin or Liszt (or other males of the time), but Louise was a MAJOR female composer in the 19th century, a difficult accomplishment - for those getting into Clara & Fanny, this gal is certainly another consideration for this era - :D
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/FarrencPianoEickhorst/1228359179_rTQeT-O.jpg) (https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog4369571/Farrenc-2_300x300.jpg)
Quote FARRENC Air russe varié, op. 17. Piano Etudes, op. 26/19, 7, 4, 10, 8, 30, 3, 12. Valse brillante, op. 48. Nocturne, op. 49. Variations brillantes, op. 15 • Konstanze Eickhorst (pf) • cpo 999 879-2 (60:00)
Paris born Louise Farrenc (1804–1875)—her married name; she was born Jeanne–Louise Dumont—was a pianist and a teacher, so it's not surprising that the music here is idiomatically written for the instrument, and is very sympathetically played by Konstanze Eickhorst, who has been well recorded.
Put simply, Farrenc's music, certainly this choice from it, is pleasing without suggesting itself as particularly individual or memorable. One could cite Haydn, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Chopin as all being in there somewhere; or one can borrow the booklet note's mention of Hummel, Moscheles, and Reicha—the latter was Farrenc's teacher—as another group of references.
I imagine that anyone with a very specific interest in the piano and the era in which Farrenc lived will find this an attractive release. Otherwise, this likeable, fluently written music will pass an hour pleasantly. Colin Anderson
Quote from: SonicMan on March 26, 2011, 02:35:36 PM
Below is a post that I just left in the 'listening thread' - thought a duplication here would be appropriate:
Farrenc, Louise (1804-1875) - Piano Works w/ Konstanze Eickhorst (recorded in 2002); rather brief Fanfare review from 2004, which I find rather dismissive & chauvinistic, but I don't know the reviewer that well - this is my 6th disc of Farrenc's music (all on the CPO label); the playing is persuasive and sympathetic, and the sound recording of the piano excellent. The music is quite pleasant and varied - no not Chopin or Liszt (or other males of the time), but Louise was a MAJOR female composer in the 19th century, a difficult accomplishment - for those getting into Clara & Fanny, this gal is certainly another consideration for this era - :D
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/FarrencPianoEickhorst/1228359179_rTQeT-O.jpg) (http://mmcdn1.hosting-media.net/wp/fr/28824/Louise_Farrenc.jpg)
Thank you for posting this. I don't have this CD but its on my list. Its a pity that none of her piano music is available on IMSLP, even more so as many of her editions of CPE Bach's sonatas can be found there. The work she and her husband did in rescuing work from that earlier period is something we should be forever grateful for.
Quote from: SonicMan on September 10, 2008, 03:31:23 PM
Well, I'd like to revive this thread on Louise Farrenc (1804-1875), who I've just discovered - must have missed this thread on its first appearance, but a month or so back, I acquired the Piano Quintets, Op. 30 & 31 - just marvelous on the CPO label; so decided to obtain some more of her orchestral compositions, i.e. the Symphonies, Nos. 1-3 & Overtures, also on CPO w/ the ever productive Goritzki! Listening to these CDs while typing - symphonies composed in the 1840s!
Amazing gal - brilliant pianist, excellent teacher (only female professor in the 19th century @ the Paris Conservatoire), and composer of about 50 works w/ Opus numbers - sad personal life w/ an only daughter dying to TB in her early 30s (an outstanding pianist & budding composer) - short but good Wiki Article HERE (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louise_Farrenc) - the CPO liner notes are extensive & excellent!
I'd like to acquire some more chamber works & also some solo piano compositions - so bring on the recommendations, please! :D
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/369885409_4HF6n-M.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/354435600_dUTS4-M.jpg)
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/369885416_Vfebc-M.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/369885422_cMC2x-M.jpg)
I was just listening to a few mvmts. from that PQ disc. I definitely noticed a 'professional' quality in the piano writing, and the pieces certainly have vitality: accomplished, I would call it; but, the memorability factor is missing for me. Still, very solid writing. Thankfully, the gender factor wasn't an issue whilst listening, but now, I'm thinking about it, and I must say, that my initial reaction was nice, neat, and tidy, and professional/businesslike,... very pruned and picked,... maybe fussy?? :o I don't know, perhaps one can hear her femininity in the music?
Still, I neeeed BigTunes! ::)
Quote from: snyprrr on March 31, 2011, 08:56:28 AM
I was just listening to a few mvmts. from that PQ disc. I definitely noticed a 'professional' quality in the piano writing, and the pieces certainly have vitality: accomplished, I would call it; but, the memorability factor is missing for me. Still, very solid writing. Thankfully, the gender factor wasn't an issue whilst listening, but now, I'm thinking about it, and I must say, that my initial reaction was nice, neat, and tidy, and professional/businesslike,... very pruned and picked,... maybe fussy?? :o I don't know, perhaps one can hear her femininity in the music?
Still, I neeeed BigTunes! ::)
I can see your point about big tunes but if you want big tunes from a lady that do stick in your mind, try Alice Mary Smith. One thing I don't agree on though is that in all my investigation of music by woman I find them in general to be more direct, more emotional and far less fussy than the men.
Quote from: snyprrr on March 31, 2011, 08:56:28 AM
I was just listening to a few mvmts. from that PQ disc. I definitely noticed a 'professional' quality in the piano writing, and the pieces certainly have vitality: accomplished, I would call it; but, the memorability factor is missing for me. Still, very solid writing. Thankfully, the gender factor wasn't an issue whilst listening, but now, I'm thinking about it, and I must say, that my initial reaction was nice, neat, and tidy, and professional/businesslike,... very pruned and picked,... maybe fussy?? :o I don't know, perhaps one can hear her femininity in the music?
Still, I neeeed BigTunes! ::)
Try the symphonies, which can sound rather Beethovenian in their vigor, assertiveness, and drama--no doilies or needlework in sight. They are, dare I say, rather macho ;D
http://www.youtube.com/v/KYIX21blNmE
http://www.youtube.com/v/Fnqcw8cE0zA
I am enjoying, thanks to this forum, the music of Louise Farrenc immensely!
I've heard the 1st symphony so far from this recording:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QZPKFGNEL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
And the Piano Quintet no.1 in A minor.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AA2ad4VWL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
The music is very articulate and romantic in the grand sense. The sound of her musical construction and melodic material capture my attention.
Farrenc - TTT after 9 years - WOW! ???
Starting the 'Fs' in my classic collection review - have added the first two CDs below (now up to a half dozen, most shown in previous posts): 1) Nonet, Op. 38 & Clarinet Trio, Op. 44 w/ Consortium Classicum (review attached); and 2) Piano Quintets, Op. 30 & 31 w/ Quintetto Bottesini - this recording replaced my older one with the Linos Ensemble; the newer one is from 2013 and sound/performance superb (excellent review); Farrenc uses a double bass in place of a violin in these quintets. The Violin Sonatas, Op. 37 & 39 are playing on Spotify at the moment and quite enjoyable. Looking on Amazon, there are some options in the Symphonies, although the Goritzki discs which I own are fine to my ears. There were also some new 'piano recordings' with Biliana Tzinlikova and Joanne Polk - will have to listen on Spotify, both available. Dave :)
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Well, there was some renewed interest in Louise Farrenc in the 'listening thread' the last few days which prompted me to visit Amazon to see if anything 'new' may have appeared - also, I listened to the Wind Sextet/Trios shown below on Spotify this morning (good review attached), however, the 2-CD set contains just 80+mins of music, an additional trio could have been added easily - in addition, my Linos Ensemble CD has the Sextet/Two Trios (one the same) at 79 mins!
But I went ahead and ordered the other 2 CDs (reviews also included in the attachment) - on the piano disc, Dubins absolutely raved about the music and Joanne Polk's performance - so ups my collection to 8 CDs (one is an MP3 DL). I could have put this post in the 'purchases thread' but likely would have disappeared quickly w/ few if any comments; here, at least those coming to this thread will see the additional recordings and the reviews. Dave :)
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Farrenc is being mentioned in one of the interviews by Presto this week :
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8018771--jeanne-louise-farrenc-nonet-clarinet-trio (https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8018771--jeanne-louise-farrenc-nonet-clarinet-trio)
The mentions of Farrenc made me listen to the cpo disc with piano quintets and I was very pleasantly surprised. I must have listened to that disc a few times years ago but did not remember much about it. I have only one more CD, again cpo/Linos with sextet and trios and another trio coupled with Berwald but I'll listen to them in the next few days. For some reason I thought I should have the nonet (because I am comparably fond of such mixed chamber music) but apparently I never got around buying a recording or it is shelved differently because of a coupling.
Re-Posts - in recent days I've left a number of
Farrenc posts in the 'listening thread' which included review attachments - I'm planning to post them here w/ the reviews so these will be available to those interested in her - Dave :)
QuoteFarrenc, Louise (1804-1875) - Symphonies w/ Goritzki & NDR Radiophilharmonie which are in my Farrenc collection of about 8 discs. Louise seems to be receiving much more overdued attention, i.e. there are now two other sets of her symphonies (single discs shown below) - listened to one of each on Spotify this morning; all sounded fine to me although the Goritzki recordings are 20+ years old - reviews are attached that don't convince me at the moment of replacing what I own; Equilbey's CD is the newest recording and the reviews are not from the usual sources, plus I assume more is to be recorded? I'll sit tight until released. Dave :)
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Another re-post on here chamber works w/ reviews attached - Dave :)
QuoteFarrenc, Louise (1804-75) - Chamber Works w/ the performers on the cover art - I decided to spend much of the day w/ my modest array of this female French composer; the only other woman in my collection w/ a similar number of discs (7) is Amy Beach - works include Piano Trios/Quintets, Sextet, Nonet, and Violin Sonatas; still have a couple of solo piano discs to play - reviews attached for those interested. Dave :)
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Farrenc's Nonet - the Nonet that I owned was w/ Dieter Klöcker and the Consortium Classicum and was purchased as a MP3 download (DL) years ago; well, yesterday numerous glitches were present on listening, so I searched for a 'new' recording and decided to buy the Ambache Chamber Ensemble as a WAV DL from Qobuz (https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/discover) for $10 USD; burned to a CD-R and playing beautifully this morning on my den speakers - its contents are shown below; single reviews of each are attached for those interested - now, there are some other 'Nonets' available but the other pieces included may not please or be desired? Dave :)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wTIi+nyIL._SS500_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61yxpAss5uL.jpg) (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-fMrBbKg/0/7ed95bfc/O/Farrenc_NonetAmbache.png)
This afternoon, listening to
Farrenc's Piano Works - see re-post below from the 'listening thread' w/ review attachment - from her Wiki Bio HERE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louise_Farrenc#Piano_works), I count just over 30 Opus works in her piano oeuvre, so much more could be recorded. Dave :)
QuoteFarrenc, Louise - Piano Works w/ Joanne Polk (from 2019) and Konstanze Eickhorst (2002); I do not own the third recording shown which includes mainly 'variations' (assume similar to transcriptions); of the two in my collections, there is some overlap w/ the Air russe varié, Op. 17 and the Etudes, Op. 26 - I'd probably recommend the Polk if just one is desired (see Dubins comments) - reviews of all attached. Dave :)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81y3kGO5FNL._SL1500_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61kHV05ZCsL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81KZRY5quwL._SL1500_.jpg)
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New interview with conductor Laurence Equilbey:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/4128--interview-laurence-equilbey-on-louise-farrenc
Quote from: Brian on July 27, 2021, 06:51:27 AM
New interview with conductor Laurence Equilbey:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/articles/4128--interview-laurence-equilbey-on-louise-farrenc
Thanks
Brian for the link above - will await the release of Equilbey's next Farrenc recording and see what the reviewers say! Dave :)
Farrenc, Louise - Violin/Piano & Piano Works w/ the performers below - same recordings as posted previously - there is some overlap w/ the two piano recordings shown which I've kept in my collection (Fanfare reviews attached - Dubins seems to love the Polk performance). Dave :)
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Re-post from the 'listening thread' on the
Farrenc Symphonies - put together a Spotify playlist and results: 1) Enjoyed the Laurence Equilbey period instruments performance of Nos. 1 & 3 - ordered on Amazon; and 2) My Goritzki CDs vs. the König performances; well, both sounded fine to me so agree w/ the attached reviews - will simply keep the older discs and wait to see if Equilbey comes out w/ No. 2 + fillers. Dave :)
QuoteYesterday, I posted on some of Louise Farrenc's (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louise_Farrenc) chamber works and left a short bio (check link for more) - this morning I'm listening to her Symphonies done by Laurence Equilbey (just 1 & 3), Christoph König, and Johannes Goritzki - I own the Goritzki recordings, but should I replace the CDs w/ those of König? Also, Equilbey uses a period instrument band (which I've already heard and enjoyed but $20 USD on Amazon USA - will check elsewhere; plus I'm assuming she will do No. 2 plus fillers?). Attached are reviews for those interested - Goritzki vs. König seems to be 'nose-to-nose' - will shortly have heard both and will decide, BUT I'd still like to obtain Equilbey at a decent price or DL). Any comments appreciated - Dave :)
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I don't think any of the Naxos, CPO or Erato symphony recordings have been less than very good. I've streamed all of them and simply find myself enjoying the music each time.
So many "rediscovered" composers from that era have been forgettable in the end, but Farrenc is the real deal if you like Schumann and Mendelssohn.
Quote from: Daverz on January 10, 2022, 02:31:31 PM
I don't think any of the Naxos, CPO or Erato symphony recordings have been less than very good. I've streamed all of them and simply find myself enjoying the music each time.
So many "rediscovered" composers from that era have been forgettable in the end, but Farrenc is the real deal is you like Schumann and Mendelssohn.
Hi
Dave - I listened to all of those symphony recordings this morning on a Spotify playlist and enjoyed each one - ordered the Laurence Equilbey CD because of the use of a period instrument band but the other two were similarly well done. I really admire
Farrenc for emerging when males predominated her world and she still was triumphant - her chamber and piano music is wonderful also - for those reading this thread and not aware of Louise, then open your ears to a female 19th century composer who challenged the best of her times - really! 8) Dave
Farrenc's Piano Music - how much did she write? I currently own the 2 CDs shown below (left & middle) - there is much overlap, e.g. the 'Air Russe' and selective 'Etudes, Op. 26' - reviews are attached in a previous post of mine here. BUT, Brian in the 'New Releases' thread just posted an upcoming release of the 'Etudes' by Maria Stratigou (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/music/people/academic-staff/maria-stratigou) (a doctoral professor and concert pianist who has written and lectured on Farrenc) - states a 2-CD recording and listed as '1', so more to come?
Obviously, this piques my interest as to 'how much' piano music did Louise write - immediately below from her Wiki bio is a listing (and many of those opus numbers have a lot of pieces, such as the Etudes - click to enlarge) - so will be curious about this new release, reviews, and whether a '2' will be coming out? Dave :)
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I find her work very good, which is surprising as I don't often like pieces from that period (from the death of Schubert to Bruckner's first symphonies as I think of it!).
Just purchased the 2-disc set of Farrenc's Symphonies and Overtures w/ Laurence Equilbey (had some Amazon credit so just a $10 buy - will donate my duplicates) - reviews attached - these are period instruments but receiving uniformly 'very good' comments. Dave :)
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Farrenc's Piano Music - quoted post about a year ago from me - still have the same 2 discs, i.e. Johanne Polk & Konstanze Eiskhorst - in the list below of Farrenc's piano compositions, I've put in bold the pieces performed on these two recordings; there is some overlap, esp. of Op. 26. Maria Stratigou appears to be on a project and has so far released 3 CDs on Grand Piano (and assume more are coming?) - her performances are in italics below (including Op. 26 which seems to be a popular choice). Dave :)
QuotePiano works
* Variations (Aristide Farrenc), Op. 2 - Stratigou
* Grandes variations Le premier pas, Op. 4 (piano solo) - Stratigou
* Variations brillantes on a theme from La Cenerentola by Rossini, Op. 5 - Stratigou
* Variations sur l'air favori "O ma tendre musette!", Op. 6 - Stratigou
* Air suisse varié, Op. 7 - Stratigou
* Trois rondeaux, Op. 8
* Rondeau sur un air du pirate de Bellini, Op. 9
* Variations (George Onslow), Op. 10 - Stratigou
* Rondeau sur des thèmes d'Euryanthe by Carl Maria von Weber, Op. 11
* Variations (Galopade favorite), Op. 12
* Rondeau (Rossini), Op. 13
* Les italiennes, Op. 14 - Polk only
* Variations brillantes (Donizetti), Op. 15 - Eiskhorst only
* Les allemandes, Op. 16
* Air russe varié, Op. 17 - Eickhorst & Polk
* La Sylphide, Op. 18
* Souvenir des Huguenots, Op. 19 - Polk only
* Les jours heureux, Op. 21
* Fugues, Op. 22
* Trente études all major & minor keys, Op. 26 (1838) - Eickhorst & Polk; Stratigou
* Hymne russe varié, Op. 27
* Variations sur un thème allemand, Op. 28
* Variations (Bellini) Op. 29 (Piano four hands, arrangements for two or three pianos)
* Douze études brillantes, Op. 41 (1853) - Stratigou
* Vingt études de moyenne difficulté, Op. 42 (1854) - Stratigou
* Trois mélodies, Op. 43
* Scherzo, Op. 47
* Valse brillante, Op. 48 - Eiskhorst only
* 1er nocturne, Op. 49 - Eiskhorst only
* Vingt cinq études faciles, Op. 50 - Stratigou
* Deuxième valse brillante, Op. 51
* Various works for piano, without opus numbers
* Mélodie, without opus number
Quote from: SonicMan46 on August 24, 2022, 07:53:46 AMFarrenc's Piano Music - how much did she write? I currently own the 2 CDs shown below (left & middle) - there is much overlap, e.g. the 'Air Russe' and selective 'Etudes, Op. 26' - reviews are attached in a previous post of mine here. BUT, Brian in the 'New Releases' thread just posted an upcoming release of the 'Etudes' by Maria Stratigou (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/music/people/academic-staff/maria-stratigou) (a doctoral professor and concert pianist who has written and lectured on Farrenc) - states a 2-CD recording and listed as '1', so more to come?
Obviously, this piques my interest as to 'how much' piano music did Louise write - immediately below from her Wiki bio is a listing (and many of those opus numbers have a lot of pieces, such as the Etudes - click to enlarge) - so will be curious about this new release, reviews, and whether a '2' will be coming out? Dave :)
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Just left the post below in the listening thread - mainly re-posting for the book on her, borrowed from the local Wake Forest library (last taken out in 1987! :D ). Louise Dumont was born into a long generational family of painters, printers, sculptors, and other artists - for decades the family had artist apartments first at the Louvre Palace, then at the re-opened Sorbonne. As famous was her older brother, Auguste Dumont (1801-1884), a sculptor who left a plethora of art throughout France. Dave :)
QuoteFarrenc, Louise (1804-1875) - Symphonies/Overtures w/ Laurence Equilbey/Insular Orchestra (period instruments) and Piano Etudes w/ Maria Stratigou (a second volume about to be released by Grand Piano).
Also, I was able to checkout the book below from the Wake Forest University Library w/ a new library card:
Louise Farrenc, 1804-1875: Composer, Performer, Scholar by Bea Friedland, published by the University of Michigan in 1980 - divided into Part I of about 80 pages of biography, photo section, and then Part II of her music (over 100 pages in two indices); finally ending w/ a lot of notes and references - just half way through the bio section. Dave :)
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