Henselt, Adolf von (1814 – 1889)
Grande Valse
SKU:FD005
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Description
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.
Quick Overview
- Composer: Adolf von Henselt (1814–1889)
- Edition: Urtext (FE005)
- Pages: 20 (17 + III) pages.
- Difficulty: Level 8 / 10
- Editor: Martijn Vromans
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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