Louise Farrenc (1804-1875) France
- andreachamizoalber
- Aug 31
- 1 min read
Composer, pianist, and teacher. In the 1830s, Farrenc gained considerable fame as a performer, and her reputation was such that in 1842 she was appointed to a permanent position as piano professor at the Paris Conservatoire, a position she held for 30 years and one of the most prestigious in Europe. Despite this, Farrenc was paid less than her male counterparts for almost a decade (normal, right?). Only after the triumphant premiere of her Nonet did she demand and receive equal pay. Here is the Nonet, video, and link to download the score.
Farrenc's work includes 49 works, including solo piano pieces, piano quintets, several piano trios in various combinations with flute, clarinet, violin, and cello, the aforementioned Nonet, vocal music, as well as two overtures and three symphonies. I'm sharing the Study in F# minor, number 10 of her Op. 26. The link to download the score includes all 30 studies.
Farrenc's music, recognized as a first-class work in its time, fell into obscurity largely due to sexism. At the end of the 20th century, interest in her works resurfaced, and several were performed and recorded. This is her Sonata for Cello and Piano, with a link to download the score.
And without any other interesting details, here's her Piano Quintet in A minor. Link to the score included.
Comments