Who's behind the notes? Discover Charles-Valentin Alkan: The Enigmatic Virtuoso of the Piano
Charles-Valentin Alkan's Esquisses, Op. 63 is a collection of 49 character pieces for piano that showcase the composer's innovative and often eccentric style. Unlike his more technically demanding works, these sketches reveal Alkan's poetic and experimental side. The F♯ Minor Esquisse, subtitled "Notturino-Innamorato" (Love-struck Nocturne), is a particularly expressive example of his ability to blend romantic sentiment with unexpected harmonic twists. Alkan was a contemporary and friend of Chopin and Liszt, but developed a uniquely personal musical language that was largely forgotten until its rediscovery in the 20th century.