Description
Instrumentation: flute, oboe, clarinet in B-flat, horn in Es, bassoon and piano
Edition: score and parts
Editor: Willi Rechsteiner
Year: 1851-52
Duration: approx. 27′
Difficulty: medium
1. Allegro, C minor. 2. Andante sostenuto, E flat. 3. Allegro vivace
Her sextet is a lovely, lyrical work from 1852, packed with warm, appealing melodies albeit of a rather Victorian sentiment.
In the 1840/50’s Louise Farrenc devoted herself intensively to composing chamber music. The sextet op. 40 written in 1851-52, of which this is the first publication, excels because of its unusual instrumentation and the originality of the thematical treating. Level of difficulty: medium, piano virtuouso.
“Luise Farrenc must be the first composer to have written for the combination – some 90 years before the better knows Poulenc Sextet. She writes well for each instrument, including sparkling piano writing and some bold flourishes for the horn. The sensuous serenade-like slow movement contrasts warmly with the dramatic outer movements.” Diana Ambache in: Harpsichord and Fortepiano Vol 16 Nr. 1, 2011
“Farrenc characterises each of her wind instruments with flair. She is particularly fond of letting the horn have its moments, with bold flourishes and a magical few moments in the finale when the horn holds firm as the music pivots off into unknown regions. There is a sensuous, Mozartian wind serenade flavour to the start of the slow movement, which also shows that she knew her Beethoven. In the outer movements Farrenc alternates a firm grasp of thematic development with a pianistic sparkle reminiscent of Hummel’s concertos.” Women of note
