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Celebrating two hundred and fifty years of music by women |
Chaminade wrote prolifically, and nearly all her approximately 400 compositions were published in her life time, many by her publisher husband. Although she wrote orchestral pieces (including the successful piano Konzertstücke, Op 40, and a Concertino pour Flûte, Op 107, a symphony Les Amazones, Op 26, 1888, and a ballet Calliroë), Op 37, 1887, her most popular works were her piano music, many of them character pieces, and more than 125 mélodies, 1888. The music is tuneful and highly accessible, with clear textures and mildly chromatic harmonies, and typically french wit and colour. She made extensive concert tours as a pianist, performing regularly in England, including as a welcome guest of Queen Victoria; Chaminade player her organ Prélude, Op 78, at Queen Victoria's funeral in 1901. She was the first woman to be elected to the French Légion d'honneur (1913). Many Chaminade Clubs were formed in the USA around 1900, and in 1908 she made a tour of twelve American cities. The end-of-the-19th century criticism of late-Romantic French music meant that interest in her compositions decreased in her maturity, but recordings are bringing her music back into the canon.
For a list of her music available on IMSLP, try this link.
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Trio pour Piano, Violon et Violoncelle, Op 11, G minor. 1881
1. Allego, G minor. 2. Andante - Animato - Tempo primo, E flat major. 3. Presto leggiero, G major. 4. Allegro molto agitato, G minor. 22 mins
Though a relatively early work, Chaminade shows great assurance in this Trio. It is a typical piece for its elegance and attractiveness. Graceful tunes with flowing momentum characterise the first movement. A gorgeous string tune frames a brief animato in the second. Feather-light semiquavers shimmer through the Presto, with nimble chromatics and arpeggios. A sturdy Finale concludes. Published by Durand (DF00282800), 215 Rue du Faubourg St-Honore, 875008 Paris, France; and Hildegard.com
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Trio pour Piano, Violon et Violoncelle, Op 34, A minor. 1887
1. Allegro moderato. 2. Lento. 3. Allegro energico. 23 mins
This is a highly original work with a dramatic, muscular first movement. The slow movement is eloquent and long-lined; the Finale is effectively a moto perpetuo, ending with powerful energy. Published by Enoch (1319): link.
Cécile Chaminade, a Bio-biography by Marcia J Citron, Bloomsbury, 1988; link.
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