Rocherolle, Eugenie Ricau : Rapsodie des Pyrénées
Work Overview
First Publisher:Kjos
Instrumentation:Piano Ensemble
Genre:Various works
Commentary (1)
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Last Updated: April 2, 2025
[Open]
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
An original work for two pianos, four hands. The composer's paternal family, the Ricaux family, is said to have roots in the French Pyrenees region and to be descendants of immigrants who moved to New Orleans, USA, in the mid-19th century. This work was born from the composer's experience of visiting and interacting with relatives remaining in the Pyrenees. The composer dedicates this work to the family members living separately across the Atlantic, in the Pyrenees and America. It begins in 3/4 time, Allegro. It develops romantically and dynamically, centered on multiple folk-like melodies imbued with a subdued passion. The influence of French Impressionism is strong throughout. Each individual part is easy to play with a technique level comparable to Czerny's Op. 740 (40 Daily Exercises), allowing for easy enjoyment of the powerful sound of two pianos and an orthodox ensemble.