Sweeping and romantic! Cécile Chaminade's AUTUMN, Études de concert, Op.35 (Pianist Duane Hulbert)

Cécile Chaminade's talent has been overlooked for years. She has a remarkable gift for melody, lyricism, and drama. Her Autumn from Études de concert, Op.35 (written in 1893) demonstrates these qualities. Notes from pianist Duane Hulbert: "I' recently discovered Chaminade's Autumn and have fallen in love with this piece. Its musicality, structure, and harmonic beauty move me. It's time more pianists discovered this work (and Chaminade as a composer). Here are a few things to notice when listening to (or playing) this piece: 1) Listen for the melodic and LYRICAL opening theme from 0:02-0:30. (Gorgeous!) 2) At the MOLTO STRINGENDO, the music pushes ahead with ROMANTIC FERVOR from 0:31-0:44. 3) Listen for the MARCATO ( accented) bass line echoing the soprano line above at 0:45-1:00. 4) The opening theme returns with a PIANISSIMO (very soft) dynamic at 1:08, followed by a bridge theme based on the rising opening melody at 1:25, then by a bass line that echoes material from the opening theme at 1:33. 5) This section concludes beautifully with a D-Flat major cadence at 1:49. Then suddenly..... 6) A fiery middle section marked CON FUOCO (with fire!) ensues at 1:58. Note the key change to F minor. 7) As the cadence dies away (poco slargando), a new theme marked "Poco piu largo appassionato" first appears in the glorious key of G-flat major (2:13) with rising octave lines accompanied by rolling 32nd note arpeggios in the bass line. More technical brilliance appears from 2:27-2:43 with flashes of pianistic bravura. Chaminade finishes this section with cascading 32nd note octaves in both hands at 2:59-3:02.(Could she have been influenced by Franz Liszt's virtuosity here? It sounds like his style,) 8) From 3:02-3:22, the music finally reaches a quiet cadenza-like reprieve. 9) But the quiet mood does not last long! At 3:24-3:50 a brilliant 32nd note passage again breaks the calm. 10) After the last arpeggio dies away at 3:58, the D-flat major theme is heard again, ending this exquisite piece with delicate arpeggios that float away (5:56). This piece is one that's worth listening to several times. I find it appealing and rich. Truly enjoyable!" If you value classical music, please subscribe to our channel. THANKS FOR WATCHING!