Name: Variations de Concert
SKU: FE002
Availability: InStock

Henselt: Variations de Concert

Adolf von Henselt’s Variations de Concert (1837) transform a theme from Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore into a brilliant musical drama that rivals the operatic fantasias of Liszt and Thalberg. Ferocious virtuosity and lyrical depth combine in one of his most dazzling early masterpieces, presented here in both the original and revised versions.

Henselt: Variations de Concert – Look Inside

SKU: FE002 Category: Works

The Variations de Concert (1837) mark the dazzling public debut of a young virtuoso determined to make his name. Built on a theme from Donizetti’s opera L’elisir d’amore, the work aligns with the operatic fantasias of Liszt and Thalberg, but adds a distinctive poetic narrative. Henselt transforms the graceful bel canto theme into an expansive musical drama, culminating in a triumphant finale. While the writing is ferociously difficult—double notes, wide hand stretches, and dense textures abound—the virtuosity always serves expression. Each variation expands the emotional palette, from lyrical to majestic, and shows the young composer’s gift for both pianistic brilliance and harmonic invention.

This edition includes both the original version of 1837 and a revised version from 1876, whose authorship is uncertain but whose richer textures reflect the influence Henselt had on the Russian piano tradition. A valuable glimpse into his evolving style and a compelling addition to the repertoire.

Composer: Adolf von Henselt (1814–1889)
Edition: Urtext (FE002)
Pages: 50 (44 + VI) pages.
Difficulty: Level 10 / 10
Editor: Martijn Vromans

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.