Jean-Frederic Edelmann, the composer, was unjustly guillotined during the French Revolution, sharing a common destiny with his friend Frederic de Dietrich, who was mayor of Strasbourg.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Edelmann believed in progress in music, instrument making, and society, championing an art that served glorified passion and constantly shifted from gloom to light.
Compositional Technique
Edelmann added an 'ad libitum' violin accompaniment to his sonatas, a common practice at the time to compensate for the harpsichord's perceived 'lack of sensitivity'.
Notable Performances
In 1777, Mozart played 'a prima vista' some very nice pieces by Edelmann, indicating the composer's recognition by his contemporaries.
Album & Artwork
This record aims to rehabilitate Jean-Frederic Edelmann, whose works are presented here for the first time on recording, shedding new light on his music and showing how it was ahead of its time.
Compositional Technique
Edelmann used previously unused keys, brought melancholy to slow movements, and energy or frenzy to fast movements, which are sometimes exceedingly difficult to play.
Critical Reception
Edelmann's oeuvre has largely remained unplayed and in reserve at the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris, partly due to negative historical accounts.
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