Henselt, Adolf von (1814 – 1889)
Grande Valse
SKU:FE005
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Description
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.
Quick Overview
- Composer: Adolf von Henselt (1814–1889)
- Edition: Urtext (FE004)
- Contents: 30 pages total (4 pages introduction and source commentary, 20 pages music)
- Difficulty: Level 5–9 / 10
- Editor: Martijn Vromans
- Paper: A4, 120 gsm cream (Clairefontaine)
- Binding: Black steel wire binding
- Pages: 20 + IV pages.
About the Composer
About the Composer
Adolf von Henselt (1814–1889) was a German pianist and composer who spent much of his career at the court of St Petersburg. His lyrical pianism and innovative technique left a lasting mark on the Russian piano school, influencing generations of pianists including Rubinstein, Scriabin, and Rachmaninoff. As a composer, he combined virtuosity with expressive depth—qualities that earned him high praise from contemporaries such as Schumann and Liszt. Felix Editions reintroduces his work with a critical eye on the original sources.
Contents
Contents
- Introduction
- Grande Valse, "L'Aurore Boréale", Op. 30
- Critical Commentary
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