Louise Farrenc

Overture No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op. 24

Born: May 31, 1804, Paris, France

Died: September 15, 1875 (age 71 years), Paris, France

Children: Victorine Farrenc

Parents: Jacques-Edme Dumont

Partner: Aristide Farrenc (1821–)

Siblings: Augustin-Alexandre Dumont

Overview: Louise Farrenc (1804-1875) was a pioneering French composer, pianist, and teacher, whose contributions to classical music were remarkable, especially considering the societal constraints placed on women during her time. Overture No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op. 24 is a striking example of her mastery of orchestration and her ability to blend the traditions of Classical and Romantic music with her own unique voice.

Musical Style and Structure: Composed in 1834, Overture No. 2 in E-flat Major is structured in a traditional sonata-allegro form, which was typical of the time. The piece begins with a dramatic and commanding introduction, setting the stage for the themes that follow. The first theme is lively and energetic, characterized by bold orchestral textures, while the second theme provides a lyrical contrast with its more flowing melody. Farrenc skillfully develops these themes, exploring different harmonic landscapes and creating a sense of tension that is ultimately resolved in the recapitulation. The overture concludes with a dynamic coda that brings the piece to an exhilarating finish.

Historical Context: Farrenc composed this overture at a time when she was gaining recognition as both a composer and a professor at the Paris Conservatory, where she was the only woman to hold a permanent professorship in the 19th century. Despite the challenges of her era, Farrenc's works were well-regarded, and her orchestral compositions, including this overture, were performed alongside those of her male contemporaries.

Significance: Today, Louise Farrenc’s music is being rediscovered and celebrated for its craftsmanship and originality. Overture No. 2 in E-flat Major is a testament to her talent and resilience, showcasing her ability to create powerful and evocative orchestral music. It stands as an important work in the Romantic repertoire, highlighting the contributions of a composer who deserves greater recognition in the history of classical music.

Sources:

Larsen, Jens Peter. Louise Farrenc: Composer, Performer, and Teacher. Cambridge University Press, 2002.
Fuller, Sophie. The Pandora Guide to Women Composers: Britain and the United States 1629-Present. Pandora, 1994.
Macdonald, Claudia. "The Musical Legacy of Louise Farrenc." Nineteenth-Century Music Review, vol. 10, no. 2, 2013, pp. 201-221.