Camille Saint – Saëns (1835 – 1921)
Saint-Saëns was a conductor, critic, music scholar, teacher, and composer. Working in Paris, he founded a society that supported an entire new generation of French composers. His music style was traditional, conservative, and followed mostly Classical traditions. His best-known works are several concertos, an organ symphony, and The Carnival of the Animals. for the first performances of his First and Third Violin Concertos, he had the advantage of having these works in the remarkable hands of the Spanish virtuoso Pablo de Sarasate. The present work, written in 1880 and the most often played of the violin concertos, abounds in the elements of technical display and appealing lyricism that audiences understandably love so well.
Claude Debussy (1862 – 1918)
Born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Debussy showed musical talent from an early age. At the age of ten, he entered the Paris Conservatory, where he studied composition, piano, and music theory. Debussy’s compositional style often sought to capture fleeting moments and impressions, much as the Impressionist painters did in their art. The title suggests a picturesque scene of a girl with flaxen (blonde) hair, evoking a sense of innocence and simplicity. “La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin” features delicate melodies, rich harmonies, and subtle shifts in mood that reflect Debussy’s mastery of texture and atmosphere. The piece is beloved by pianists and listeners alike for its evocative beauty and emotional depth.
“Clair de Lune” (French for “Moonlight”) is another iconic piano piece by Claude Debussy, and it is one of his most famous compositions. It is the third movement of his Suite Bergamasque, composed between 1890 and 1905 but not published until 1905. “Clair de Lune” is known for its serene and dreamy atmosphere, evoking the image of moonlight shining on water. The piece is characterized by its gentle arpeggios, lush harmonies, and expressive melodies, creating a sense of calm and introspection.
Gabriel Fauré (1825 – 1924)
Fauré’s music is often characterized by its elegance, refinement, and harmonic richness. He was deeply influenced by the French Romantic tradition, but his compositions also suggest the harmonic innovations of the 20th century. “Berceuse in D Major, Op. 16, is a charming and tender piece originally written for piano in 1879. As the title suggests, “Berceuse” means “lullaby” in French, and indeed the music embodies a soothing and gentle character, resembling a cradle gently rocking back and forth.
Lili Boulanger (1893-1918)
Lili Boulanger was a French composer who achieved remarkable acclaim despite her tragically short life. Born into a musical family in Paris, she was the younger sister of the renowned composer and teacher Nadia Boulanger. Lili Boulanger’s compositions are characterized by emotional depth, expressive melodies, and innovative harmonies. She was inspired by a wide range of influences, including Russian composers such as Rimsky-Korsakov and the impressionistic style of Debussy. The “Nocturne” is a hauntingly beautiful work characterized by its lyrical violin melodies and lush piano accompaniment. It reflects Boulanger’s expressive depth and ability to create evocative atmospheres through her music. In addition, Boulanger’s success inspired future generations of women composers and musicians, demonstrating that gender should not limit artistic expression or achievement. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower women in music and serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the world of classical music.
César Franck (1822-1890)
Franck was a Belgian-born French composer, organist, and music teacher who made significant contributions to Romantic music. He is best known for his richly harmonic compositions, his innovative use of cyclical form, and his mastery of the organ. Another notable work by Franck is his Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano, considered one of the
