Toccata by Cecile Chaminade

This piano toccata, Op.39 (1887) by Cecile Chaminade, is a perfect example of the modern toccata form as developed by Bach, Schumann and others. It was flawlessly performed in 1993 by Enid Katahn. It is track 1 on the CD, which may still be available. Chaminade is seen in the 2nd and 3rd frames and elsewhere. Steel Moegle writes, "Chaminade frequently used exotic titles, like Orientale, Sérénade, and Les Sylvains. These may have attracted people desiring an escape from the humdrum of everyday life. Chaminade had an exquisite gift for composing melodies. They are somehow familiar and very memorable. For this reason, I can understand her music's popularity. After you have heard and practiced a Chaminade piece, its melody follows you like a pleasant friend. To attend a Chaminade concert would have been lighthearted and fun. In a way, it would have been more French in its relaxed atmosphere." Chaminade was neglected in the later 20th century, but is being rediscovered in the 21st.
More about toccatas, and the special significance of Bach's influential Toccata in F, at
http://philosopherswheel.com/toccata.htm

Category:

Music

Tags:

• toccata
• piano
• Cecile
• Chaminade
• French
• Enid
• Katahn
• picturesque
• woman
• composer

[wardka]

I have been enjoying this composer for some time, this piece and the C minor sonata as played by Louise Cheadle, without ever once realizing she was a woman until I saw this video. That can only mean the pieces are fantastic in their own right without my judgement being clouded by any political correctness. I think it's a terrible shame women were discouraged from writing music so many decades. How many great pieces might there have been?

[kilmer70]

ca fait un peu trop "Etude", c'est de la musique tout de meme avant tout!

[offyougonow1007]

Who is the pianist? MAGNIFICO! A splendid performance!

[kingjepoy]

oh, cool piece! I like this composer very much. Such a breath of fresh air.

[Appassionata90]

Such a great piece!

[DAGUY]

It is amazing that something so exciting and athletic can cause me to close my eyes and relax while willingly getting lost in this piece.

I need to find some requiems to paralyze myself.