Alkan: 25 Préludes dans les tons majeurs et mineurs, Op. 31

Featuring

Mark Viner
Charles Valentin Alkan

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Composition History

Alkan's 25 Préludes, Op. 31, were first published in 1847 and dedicated to Mme. James Odier, wife of the cellist who would later be the dedicatee of Alkan's Sonate de concert, Op. 47.

Composer Biography

Alkan was reputed to be the only pianist before whom Franz Liszt felt uneasy to perform, with Liszt reportedly stating Alkan had the finest technique he had ever seen.

Performer Biography

Mark Viner, the pianist on this recording, is Chairman of both the Alkan Society and the Liszt Society, reflecting his advocacy for their music.

Composer Biography

Charles-Valentin Alkan, born in 1813, was admitted to the Paris Conservatoire at age six and won multiple first prizes, including in piano and harmony.

Composer Biography

Alkan was a close friend of Frédéric Chopin and lived next door to him in Paris in 1842.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Alkan intended for these Préludes to be playable on either piano or organ, outlining specific performance considerations for each instrument.

Critical Reception

The eminent critic François-Joseph Fétis reviewed Alkan's Préludes in 1847, noting that they were 'reveries which, under a carefree appearance, conceal a very studied and very complete art form'.