Overture No. 2         Louise Farrenc

2222-4230      Timp       Strings       5,5,3,3,2

Score Only (9×12)                     $   59.00

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Louise Ferrenc was born in 1804 into a thoroughly bohemian family in Paris and grew up surrounded by sculptors, painters and artistic women. She studied piano from a young age, with her talents picked up and encouraged by the likes of Clementi and Hummel.

After completing her studies, Louise Farrenc started her career as a concert pianist, becoming quite famous in the 1830s. In 1842 she became the only woman to be appointed to the position of professor at the Paris Conservatory in the 19th century – the only such appointment for a woman for the entire 19th century.

Louise Ferrenc penned orchestral symphonies and overtures (of which Hector Berlioz was a big fan). But it was her chamber music that made the biggest impact, and her two piano quintets were held in particularly high regard amongst the Parisian critics. She won the chartier prize in 1861 and in 1869.