Karadar - Alkan, Charles-Valentin

French pianist and composer, Alkan made his debut at the age of 12 performing his own compositions and those of others.

Alkan was a member of a Parisian social circle that included many of the leading names of philosophy and the arts in his time.

In 1838 he gave a concert performance with his close friend, Frédéric Chopin, that was warmly received by the critics and public alike.

Then, for no apparent reason, Alkan disappeared from the concert stage for six years.

He returned to perform for nearly two years, but then he was not seen as a public pianist for 28 years and when he appeared again he was over 60.

During his lifetime Alkan’s technique was considered to be on a par with Chopin and Franz Liszt .

In his later years he became intrigued with the pedalier, a pedal board attached to the piano which enables the full performance of organ music on the piano.

He composed many works for the pedal-piano exploiting the technical resources of the instrument.

His piano works require great skill and few performers care to attempt the difficulties of the Alkanian oeuvre in public.
The name of Alkan even now remains one capable of arousing vigorous debate in musical circles.

Composer	Alkan, Charles-Valentin
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Life	French pianist and composer, Alkan made his debut at the age of 12 performing his own compositions and those of others. Alkan was a member of a Parisian social circle that included many of the leading names of philosophy and the arts in his time. In 1838 he gave a concert performance with his close friend, Frédéric Chopin, that was warmly received by the critics and public alike. Then, for no apparent reason, Alkan disappeared from the concert stage for six years. He returned to perform for nearly two years, but then he was not seen as a public pianist for 28 years and when he appeared again he was over 60. During his lifetime Alkan’s technique was considered to be on a par with Chopin and Franz Liszt . In his later years he became intrigued with the pedalier, a pedal board attached to the piano which enables the full performance of organ music on the piano. He composed many works for the pedal-piano exploiting the technical resources of the instrument. His piano works require great skill and few performers care to attempt the difficulties of the Alkanian oeuvre in public. The name of Alkan even now remains one capable of arousing vigorous debate in musical circles.

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