About
Charles-Valentin Alkan, born Morhange in Paris in 1813, was a piano prodigy, entering the Conservatoire at age six. A virtuoso admired by Liszt, he withdrew from the stage after 1848 to focus on composition. His keyboard works, of extreme difficulty, rank among the most demanding in the repertoire. He incorporated Jewish melodies into his music and translated the Bible into French. Rediscovered in the 20th century, he is considered a major figure of Romanticism.
* 1813-11-28 — † 1888-03-28
Major works
- Grande Sonate 'Les Quatre Âges' Op. 33 (1848)piano sonata
- Douze études dans tous les tons mineurs Op. 39 (1857)collection of piano études
- Le Chemin de fer Op. 27 (1844)piano piece
- Préludes dans tous les tons majeurs et mineurs Op. 31 (1847)collection of piano preludes
- Sonate pour violoncelle Op. 47 (1857)sonata for cello and piano
Key milestones
- 1819Enters the Paris Conservatoire at age six.
- 1848Fails to obtain a piano professorship at the Conservatoire, leading him to withdraw from public life.
- 1873Gives the 'Petits Concerts de Musique Classique' at the Érard showrooms.
Themes
Extreme virtuositySolitude and withdrawalJewish heritageTechnical innovationFrench Romanticism
Sources: britannica.com · oxfordmusiconline.com · bruzanemediabase.com