THE
ALKAN SOCIETY
Music publications
25 Esquisses pour piano
Composed by members of the Alkan Society.
Editors: Nick Hammond, José López, Richard Murphy and Richard Shaw
In issue 97 of the Alkan Society Bulletin, members of the Society were invited to compose a short piano piece inspired by Alkan’s Esquisses, op. 63. These could be imagined as a tribute to Alkan or, more broadly, as an opportunity for a composer to be stimulated and influenced by Alkan.
The deadline for submissions was Alkan’s 206th birthday, 30 November 2019, and the printed edition, comprising 25 esquisses, coincided with the 100th issue of the Bulletin. To encourage amateur composers, the printed edition was anonymous. A copy was sent to all members. (Copies of the printed volume are available for purchase: contact the Treasurer for details).
Subsequently, the composers agreed to release their names, and we have prepared a second on-line only edition, for free download. Audio recordings of most of the esquisses are also available. Please note that all the materials, both textual and audio, are copyrighted.
Paix à la paix; hymne pour voix seule
Alkan Society member Brian Inglis has prepared a new edition of Alkan’s Paix à la paix. This piece is written for solo voice for a competition for an anthem to be sung at the Paris Exhibition of 1867. The edition is published by Composers Edition, and is available for purchase or download from here.
Quand Israël sortit d’Egypte
The third of Alkan’s Trois anciennes mélodies juives, entitled Quand Israël sortit d’Egypte, is scored for pedal piano or organ, unlike the first two pieces which are for soprano and piano. Mark Viner has arranged the third piece for piano alone. The score is published by Muse Press from whom the transcription may be purchased here.