Piano Works

Composer: Adolf von Henselt

Title of the Publication: Piano Works

Opus: 1, 3, 7, 17, 30, 31, 34

Composition Year: 1837–1859

Edition Type: Urtext

Edition Number: FE001

Editor: Martijn Vromans

Languages of the Text: English, German, French, or Spanish

Paper: A4 Clairefontaine 120 gsm cream paper

Binding: Black steel wire binding

Pages/Format: Total 140 pages, including 5 pages of introduction and source commentary, plus 132 pages of music.

Weight: 625 g

Difficulty Level: 7–10/10

The Variations de Concert, built on the motif of Donizetti’s opera L’Elisir d’Amore, displays Henselt’s early efforts to establish himself as a virtuoso. Unlike mere virtuosic exercises, this piece explores new possibilities of expression on the piano, creating an atmospheric and poetic landscape that resonates with the listener.

In the Poème d’Amour, subtitled Andante et Allegro Concertante, Henselt crafts a three-part etude that serves as a love poem for Rosalie Vogel, weaving beautiful melodies that he revisits in various forms, reflecting the depth of his affection and the intricate emotions involved.

The 4 Impromptus, spanning two decades of Henselt’s career, exhibit a broad spectrum of his creative output, united by a profound stylistic harmony. These pieces alternate between serene melancholy and fervent drama, offering a rich palette of emotions and atmospheres, demonstrating the composer’s versatility and emotional range.

The Grande Valse (“L’Aurore Boréale”), with its opulent sonority and intricate architecture, captures the essence of a distinguished waltz. It resonates with timeless elegance, showcasing Henselt’s refined chromatic subtleties and a magnificent resolution that blends lively melodies with introspective nostalgia.

Lastly, the Ballade in B minor stands as a monumental work within the Romantic piano literature, celebrated for its noble character, emotional depth, and dramatic intensity. This piece intricately weaves together introspection, romantic longing, and a rich tapestry of sound, highlighting Henselt’s unique voice and his ability to express profound emotions through complex, Germanic melodies contrasted against elegant phrases.

In the pantheon of Romantic composers, Adolf von Henselt stands out as the poet of the piano, whose compositions blend virtuosic technique with deep lyrical beauty. His approach to piano composition and performance marked a significant departure from his predecessors, integrating intricate techniques to enhance expressive depth.

Born to a modest Bavarian family in 1814, Henselt's prodigious talent catapulted him into the echelons of European music royalty. His early achievements, buoyed by the support of Ludwig I and mentorship under Johann Hummel, set the stage for a career that would navigate both dazzling success and personal battles, including his struggle with stage fright.

Henselt's move to Russia marked a new chapter, where he shifted focus from performing to teaching, profoundly influencing the Russian piano tradition. Henselt's impact is traced through his students and their successors, such as Scriabin, Rachmaninoff, Goldenweiser and Siloti, embedding his approach into the core of Russian pianism. Despite facing obscurity after his death, Henselt's oeuvre has been reevaluated, revealing a composer whose works epitomize the Romantic pursuit of emotional depth and technical perfection, ensuring his place in the annals of music history.