Charles-Valentin Alkan (1813–1888)

Charles-Valentin Morhange, known as Alkan, was born in Paris into a Jewish family of musicians. Admitted very young to the Paris Conservatoire, he won its first prizes and began a virtuoso career admired by Liszt and by Chopin, who became his friend and neighbour.

Disappointed at not obtaining the Conservatoire’s piano professorship, he gradually withdrew from public life and led a discreet existence devoted to composition, study and teaching. He briefly returned to the stage in the 1870s with his “Petits Concerts”. He died in Paris in 1888.

His output, almost all for piano (and pedal piano), includes the Grande Sonate “Les Quatre Âges”, the twelve Études in the major keys Op. 35 and the twelve Études in the minor keys Op. 39, which contain a “Symphony” and a “Concerto” for solo piano as well as Le Festin d’Ésope. But he also wrote short, accessible pieces, such as the 48 Esquisses Op. 63 and the books of Chants.

Long forgotten, Alkan was rediscovered in the 20th century. His music, often strange and full of humour, teaches rhythmic precision, stamina and very clear piano writing.