Alkan's "Air à Cinq Temps" is notable for its use of a five-beat meter (quintuple time), a rare feature in 19th-century Romantic music.
This technical innovation reflects Alkan's reputation as a pianist-composer of extraordinary complexity.
Composed in 1847, this B Major Impromptu is part of Alkan's "Recueil d'Impromptus" (Op.32). Unlike his notoriously virtuosic works, it features lyrical elegance and relative technical simplicity, reflecting Chopin's influence. Alkan, a reclusive Parisian virtuoso, created it during his peak creative period alongside contemporaries like Liszt.
Composed in 1845, this lyrical impromptu showcases Alkan's virtuosic yet expressive style. As part of his Op.32 set, it embodies early Romantic piano traditions with intricate passagework and emotional depth. The subtitle "L'Amitié" (Friendship) possibly references Alkan's close bonds within Parisian musical circles.
A virtuosic piano work from Alkan's Op.32 set, composed in 1848 during the peak of Romanticism. Characterized by its technical demands and expressive depth, "La Foi" reflects Alkan's unique harmonic language and religious introspection. Its dramatic contrasts and lyrical passages showcase his innovative approach to piano composition.
This technically demanding piano piece features lyrical melodies in an unconventional quintuple meter, showcasing Alkan's innovative approach within the French Romantic tradition. Its title translates to "Air in Five Time," challenging classical conventions through rhythmic experimentation while maintaining elegant phrasing.
