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
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