Spanning two decades of compositional activity, Henselt’s four Impromptus (1838–1859) offer a rare glimpse into the evolution of his musical voice. Though composed at different times, they form a cohesive set through their shared blend of lyrical depth and pianistic invention. Each piece explores a distinct emotional world—from introspective melancholy to dramatic fervour—while maintaining Henselt’s hallmark emphasis on legato touch and expressive nuance. The textures range from simple melodies veiled in swift figuration to rich polyphonic writing that evokes the illusion of multiple voices.
Notably, the later impromptus introduce greater contrapuntal complexity and structural ambition, as in the fugue-like opening of the fourth piece. The third impromptu, Illusion perdue, stands out for its poignant atmosphere and narrative arc. Together, these works highlight Henselt’s affinity for distilling a single affect into highly refined pianistic poetry, making them both technically rewarding and emotionally resonant.
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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