Composed in 1855, the Grande Valse in C-sharp minor is Henselt’s most ambitious foray into the genre of the concert waltz. Subtitled “L’aurore boréale” (The Northern Lights), the piece transcends the salon idiom with its dramatic arc, dense textures, and chromatic richness. Four contrasting themes are introduced and gradually transformed, culminating in a coda that blends radiant virtuosity with introspective lyricism.
Henselt’s contrapuntal writing adds unusual complexity to the waltz form, while his refined harmonies and expressive voicing evoke both grandeur and nostalgia. Though rooted in the tradition of Chopin, this waltz bears Henselt’s unmistakable signature: broad hand spans, flowing lines, and a sound world that is at once opulent and emotionally layered. More a tone poem than a dance piece, the Grande Valse invites the pianist to explore the full expressive potential of the Romantic keyboard.
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.
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