Henselt’s Ballade in B minor (1854) is a monumental work of the Romantic piano literature, blending noble grandeur with emotional volatility. Cast in a freely evolving structure, the piece traverses a wide expressive range—from restrained introspection to sweeping climaxes—while maintaining a coherent narrative arc. The music is shaped by long-spun melodies, complex polyphony, and subtle chromatic shading, all characteristic of Henselt’s mature style.
Notably, the work features textures of striking density, including a central passage in which melody and accompaniment are so intricately interwoven that they suggest the illusion of three hands. While technically formidable, the demands always serve a lyrical or structural purpose, never descending into mere display. The Ballade stands as one of Henselt’s most fully realised compositions and a powerful statement of his compositional identity at the height of his career.
Quick Overview
- Composer: Adolf von Henselt (1814–1889)
- Edition: Urtext (FE006)
- Pages: 31 (28 + III) pages.
- Difficulty: Level 10 / 10
- Editor: Martijn Vromans
- Paper: A4, 120 gsm cream (Clairefontaine)
- Binding: Black steel wire binding
An Urtext edition presents the music as faithfully as possible to the composer’s intentions. It is based on all available primary sources—first editions, autograph manuscripts, and reliable contemporary copies—and reproduces the musical text without arbitrary additions or editorial rewriting. At Felix Editions, editorial intervention is limited to the correction of obvious errors and is documented in the critical notes, ensuring historical accuracy together with practical clarity for performers.
For lesser-known composers, surviving sources are often exceptionally rare—sometimes only a single print or manuscript. Preparing an Urtext under such conditions requires careful reconstruction and cross-verification of fragmentary evidence. Our editions therefore combine scholarly rigour with curatorial work, making otherwise inaccessible music available in its most authentic form.
Each publication is produced to high standards of clarity, durability, and aesthetic refinement. Scores are printed on archival-grade, acid-free paper, chosen for its pleasant texture, natural colour, and stability over time.
Depending on page count, albums appear in two formats:
– Saddle-stitched for shorter works;
– Black wire binding for larger volumes, allowing pages to turn easily and remain open on the stand.
Every title is beautifully typeset to enhance both appearance and usability. Proportion and spacing are carefully balanced for legibility; page turns are planned so that, wherever possible, they avoid technically demanding passages. The result is a publication that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to play or read.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.