Valse, Op.83

One of the most published of French composers round the turn of the century was the publisher Auguste Durand, co-founder of the company which still bears his name. Under his direction and that of his son Jacques, who was even more diligent in his efforts to secure rights on all the best names, Durand & Cie - “the only French publisher who is interested in music,” according to Ravel - built up much the most distinguished catalogue of French music at that time. Even so, both Auguste and Jacques felt there was room for their own more modest efforts. Beginning with a surprisingly Chabrier-like flourish, Auguste Durand’s Valse, Op.83, cheerfully runs through a short sequence of the more popular waltz-time mannerisms of the day. As befits the music of a Conservatoire classmate of Saint-Saëns, it is both engagingly tuneful and most ingeniously written for piano.