Presents
René de Boisdeffre
Three Pieces for Violoncello and Piano, Op.15 Nos.1-3
The Op.15 were a set of six pieces which were published in 1880 in two volumes. The second volume never achieved the same popularity as the first. The opening work, Prelude in the from of a canon cannot be called your typical prelude, Certainly it is not related in anyway to the Bachian baroque prelude. Instead we have a jaunty dance in which the two instruments reply to each other in cannonic form. The Elegy is solemn with the cello presenting a long-lined singing theme over the quiet piano accompaniment. The rhythm heard in the piano in the third work, Serenade, gives the attractive music a Spanish flavor.
René de Boisdeffre (1838-1906) was born in the French village of Vesoul. He came from a distinguished military family and moved to Paris at the age of four when his father, at that time a captain in the army, was transferred. His parents did not allow him to enter the Paris Conservatory but he received private piano and composition lessons from Charles Wagner and later from the respected French composer and professor at the Conservatory Auguste Barbereau. These came to an end when Saint Saens warned him away from Barbereau and briefly took the aspiring composer under his wings. Of independent means, he was able to devote himself to composition. He was especially fond of the genre of chamber music writing several trios, quartets and quintets, all with piano, as well as a number of instrumental pieces.
Beautifully written, if brought to recital it is sure to make a good impression.
Parts: $14.95
