Composer

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Jeanne-Louise Farrenc

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Sextet

Average_duration

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26:19

Jeanne-Louise Farrenc was a French composer and pianist who lived from 1804 to 1875. She was a prolific composer, with over 100 works to her name, and was highly respected in her time. One of her most famous works is the Sextet for piano & winds in C minor, Op. 40. The Sextet was composed in 1852 and premiered in Paris the same year. It is written for piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn, and is divided into four movements. The first movement, marked Allegro, begins with a dramatic piano introduction before the winds enter with a haunting melody. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopation and sudden shifts in dynamics, creating a sense of tension and drama. The second movement, marked Andante sostenuto, is a lyrical and expressive piece featuring a beautiful melody played by the flute and oboe. The piano provides a delicate accompaniment, and the movement is notable for its use of chromaticism and modulations. The third movement, marked Scherzo, is a lively and playful piece with a fast tempo and a rhythmic drive. The winds take turns playing the main theme, while the piano provides a virtuosic accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopation and sudden dynamic changes. The final movement, marked Finale, is a fast and energetic piece with a triumphant character. The piano and winds engage in a lively dialogue, with each instrument taking turns playing the main theme. The movement is notable for its use of counterpoint and its dramatic conclusion. Overall, the Sextet for piano & winds in C minor, Op. 40 is a masterful work that showcases Farrenc's skill as a composer and pianist. It is characterized by its use of dramatic contrasts, lyrical melodies, and virtuosic piano writing, and is a testament to Farrenc's place as one of the most important composers of her time.

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