Alkan - Grand Duo Concertant in F sharp minor- II "L'enfer" (Hell)

Second movement from the Grand Duo Concertant for Violin and Piano in F sharp minor, Op. 21

Quoted from Ronald Smith's 'Alkan: The Man, The Music':

"A musical representation of the underworld that avoids melodrama or parody requires a master. Alkan heads his second movement 'L'enfer' (hell) and his plan is drastically simple. A stark prologue and epilogue in C sharp form the framework for a broader episode in G sharp. Here, high above a murmuring accompaniment, a muted yet impassioned violin melody stands in severe contrast to its chilling surroundings. The movement opens with a series of tortured chords rising from the bass of the piano. A peremptory call to attention invokes a chromatic entreaty from the violin. The process is repeated; the violin rhythm is converted into a fragile hymn tune marked 'evangeliquement' which, in turn is refashioned as the central melody 'avec la plus grande expression.' This brief illusion of hope, however, is ruthlessly shattered as the opening dissonances return, diabolically amplified. Throughout the movement Alkan's exploration of the lower register of the piano is unprecedented as can be seen from the final uncompromising bars."

Category:

Music

Tags:

• alkan
• liszt
• chopin
• brahms
• schumann

[PianistSang]

This is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard.

[scriabinwasmydad]

welcome back buddy! xD

a marvelous post!

[TheMusokestrain]

@TheMusokestrain But it sounds so lovely!

[TheMusokestrain]

I particularly don't like the title name "Hell". :/

[BlueEnigma34]

2:56- 3:44 is just incredible 

[drummingmonster]

i wanna play this where could i get actual readable sheet music?

[lewieWaide]

Ich kann ein bisschen Klavier spielen. Ich höre sehr gern das Lied. Sehr kreativ.

[Kasabouaa]

What time signature is this in? I see 6/6... is that it?

Also, how the hell do you conduct this? I've been trying forever to figure this out.

On a side note, I would learn piano just to play this. It is simply beautiful.

[saulboyjt]

Alkan one of the greatest Jewish composers in history.

[huzzzzzzahh]

if this is what hell is like id kill myself to get there sooner

[pianoboypiano]

@IlCOLElI yep. im the reincarnate of alkan himself... ;)

[IlCOLElI]

@pianoboypiano Are you Alkan ? O_O