Henselt, Adolf von (1814 – 1889)
Variations de Concert
SKU:FE002
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Description
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.
Quick Overview
- Composer: Adolf von Henselt (1814–1889)
- Edition: Urtext (FE002)
- Contents: 27 pages total (5 pages introduction and source commentary, 22 pages music)
- Difficulty: Level 10 / 10
- Editor: Martijn Vromans
- Paper: A4, 120 gsm cream (Clairefontaine)
- Binding: Black steel wire binding
- Pages: 22 + V 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
- Variations de Concert, Op. 1
- Critical Commentary
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