MORHANGE-MOTCHANE, Marthe

Piano Solo
Series: Piano Collection
Publisher: G. Schirmer, Inc.
Composer: Gabriel Fauré
Editor: I Philipp
 
Contents: Romance sans paroles, Op. 17, No. 3 • First Barcarolle, Op. 26 • Third Impromptu, Op. 34 • Fourth Nocturne, Op. 36 • Fourth Barcarolle, Op. 44 • Sixth Barcarolle, Op. 70 • Clair de Lune, Op. 46, No. 2 • Improvisation, Op. 84, No. 5 • Berceuse, Op. 56, No. 1.
 
UPC: 073999779981
Width: 9.0"
Length: 12.0"
56 pages

Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924) enriched the literature of the piano with freshly melodic, elegantly wrought compositions that embody the aristocratic qualities of the French tradition. This superbly produced volume brings together in one authoritative playing edition one of the most important segments of his works for piano: all of his nine Preludes, five Impromptus, and four Valses-Caprices.
Each of these distinctive compositions, so often heard today in concert and recital halls around the world and frequently recorded by leading pianists, reveal Fauré's lyrical melodic gifts and innovative harmonies and the classical qualities of clarity, balance, and serenity characteristic of his work.
Pianists of intermediate and advanced skills will find in these richly varied compositions — unavailable elsewhere in one volume — a unique opportunity to explore the elegant artistry of one of the most gifted and influential composers of the French school. Music lovers at every level of accomplishment will discover in this well-made, yet inexpensive edition a most satisfying way to savor fine music: to follow phrase by phrase, music in hand, a live or recorded performance.

Reprint of the Heugel et Cie., Paris, n.d., and J. Hamelle, Paris, n.d., editions.

One of his largest keyboard works, Faure's Theme and Variations dates from between his Sixth and Seventh Nocturnes, whose moods and (sounding) keys it shares. In September 1895 Faure wrote to his writer friend Eugene d'Eichtal, "I'm at grips with the final variation, the conclusion of a 'theme varie' for piano. I don't know if the piece is good but I'm sure I'm not surprising you by saying it's very difficult!" Only in late 1896, though, did Faure have the Theme et variations ready for performance and publication. The present edition, based on a wide range of sources, addresses many editorial issues, in particular some problems of tempo that have long affected the work's overall structure and continuity. (Roy Howat)

A new edition of Faure's nocturnes has long been needed, to clean up literally hundreds of old misprints and dubieties. Roy Howat, a noted French music specialist, has compared all known manuscripts and prints from Faure's lifetime, including a few of Faure's own printed copies showing numerous written corrections by him that never made it into the 1924 Hamelle edition,along with some piano rolls recorded by Faure, and memoirs and scores marked up by pianists who worked with him. Includes a preface which incorporates some performing advice that can be traced back to Faure, anddetailed critical commentary.