Louise Farrenc's four sets of Études, her most important piano compositions, were composed in reverse order of difficulty, with the most complex set written first.
Historical Context
Despite her esteemed position, Louise Farrenc was not paid equally to her male colleagues at the Paris Conservatoire for the first eight years of her employment and was only allowed to teach female students.
Interpretation
The pianist, Maria Stratigou, re-recorded many of the Études to align her performance aesthetically with 19th-century practices, after comparing editions and studying Farrenc's own performance guidance.
Recording & Production
This album includes world première recordings of some of Louise Farrenc's Études.
Critical Reception
In 1856, critic Adolphe Giacomelli praised Farrenc's Études, stating they contained "all the resources of the instrument, a profound science, and the beauty of ideas."
Composer Biography
Louise Farrenc (1804-1875) was the second female piano professor at the Paris Conservatoire, teaching there for about 30 years.
Performer Biography
Maria Stratigou, the pianist on this album, completed her PhD on the performance aspects of Louise Farrenc's Piano Études at the Royal Northern College of Music.
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