Charles-Valentin Alkan

Life and music

Charles-Valentin Alkan was born Charles-Valentin Morhange in Paris in 1813. He trained at the Paris Conservatoire with Joseph Zimmerman and became part of the city's musical circles, alongside Chopin and Liszt. Public performance was only one part of his career: during long periods away from the concert platform he continued composing and exploring instruments including the pedal piano.

In 1873 he returned to public concerts at Salle Érard, playing his own works alongside other composers. Toccatina, Op. 75, offers one doorway into his keyboard writing. Listen for energy within repeated gestures, and try making each return feel directed rather than mechanical.

Sources

• imslp.org/Category:Alkan,_Charles-Vale
• imslp.org/Toccatina,_Op.75_(Alkan,_Cha
• catalogue.bnf.fr
• alkansociety.org

Where to start

1. 1Toccatina in C minor, Op. 75Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro

More pieces in the Music Room

More pieces

• Prelude, Op. 31 No. 24Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro
• Symphony for solo piano, Op. 39 No. 7: Finale, modified editionLevel 10, estimatedWith Maestro
• Gros temps, Op. 74 No. 10Level 9, estimatedWith Maestro