Auric, Georges : Une valse
Work Overview
Instrumentation:Piano Ensemble
Genre:waltz
Total Playing Time:2 min 20 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Commentary (2)
Author : Hirano, Takatoshi
Last Updated: March 12, 2018
[Open]
Author : Hirano, Takatoshi
A short piece for two pianos, composed in 1949. Although Auric had previously written one work for this instrumentation (《Les Amours de Livres》), this 《Valse》 is his first published work for two pianos. The score was published in 1955, and the premiere took place even later, on April 21, 1968, at The Pierre Hotel in New York, performed by Arthur Gold and Robert Fizdale.
Following an introduction (8 measures, 12/8 time), it transitions into a waltz in 3/4 time, where the melody is sung leisurely, accompanied by ornamentation in the high register. The melody, marked with tenuto, includes the instruction 'doucement appuyé' (gently pressed). After a middle section that slightly increases in motion, it concludes with a sense of floating, as if smoke is gradually dissipating.
Author : Hirano, Takatoshi
Last Updated: March 12, 2018
[Open]
Author : Hirano, Takatoshi
Arthur Gold (1917-1990) and Robert Fizdale (1920-1995), to whom the work was dedicated, were an American piano duo active for nearly 50 years. They interacted with many composers, but in France, they particularly became acquainted with some members of Les Six. During their first European tour in 1948, the duo met Tailleferre, Poulenc and Auric. Poulenc, in particular, deepened his friendship with them, referring to them as "the boys."
Poulenc's L'embarquement pour Cythère (1951), Sonata for Two Pianos (1952-1953), and Élégie (1959) were all composed for this duo. Auric's Partita (1953-1955), his next work for two pianos after Valse, was also performed by them. Among Les Six, in addition to Poulenc, Auric, and Tailleferre, Milhaud also dedicated works to the duo.