The Classics a Day team chose Women’s History Month as the theme for March. Actually, it’s been the March theme for the past five years. And there are still many composers to explore. As always, I try to shore works I haven’t posted before. And as always for this month, I’m posting works by composers […]
Louise Farrenc
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It’s a Girl! Clever title, exceptional music
Clever title. I can imagine some people exclaiming in shock “It’s a Girl!” when they discover the gender of the composer. Even though they’ve been enjoying the music. And it’s the 21st Century. Classical music audiences are slow to wake (or should that be woke?), so releases like this are most welcome. The piano trio […]
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Lucie Bartholomäi crushes it with female
The sale sheet for this release list three unique selling points: 1) Debut CD 2) Very young artist 3) Repertoire exclusively by female composers Only the last point captured my interest. And when I researched the release, I discovered they omitted a compelling fourth: the entire project was crowdfunded. Personally, I think this debut release […]
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Solistes Européens deliver with Farrenc Symphony No. 1
Back in September 2018 I reviewed the debut release by the Solistes Européens, Luxembourg with conductor Christoph König. It was a release of Louise Farrenc’s second and third symphonies. I said, “The Solistes Européens has a fine ensemble blend. König leads them in fiery, committed performances. I would love to hear them perform Farrenc’s first symphony.” […]
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OperaEnsemble Excels with Louise Farrenc Wind Music
Louise Farrenc was one of the most prominent musicians in mid-19th Century Paris. She was a respected concert pianist and composer. She’s best remembered for her chamber music — and this release demonstrates why. The three works on this album were composed between 1852 and 1856. and they’re all finely crafted compositions. In general, Farrenc’s […]
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Solistes Européens Debut with Farrenc
Louise Farrenc was a major figure of French music. She was both a pianist and composer and served on the faculty of the Paris Conservatory for over 30 years. During her lifetime, and for a while afterward, her chamber music was regularly performed. Not so her symphonies. Beyond their debuts, each had only one or […]
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Louise Farrenc Piano Quintets Beguile and Delight
In her day (the mid 1800’s) Louise Farrenc was renowned as a piano virtuoso, teacher, and a composer. Today, she’s most likely to be performed in programs showcasing obscure women composers. And that’s a shame. As this recording of her two piano quintets demonstrates, Farrenc’s music has plenty to recommend it regardless of gender. Farrenc’s […]