Hyperion RPC #80 - Dupont PC #3 and Benoit Symphonic Poem

[4candles]

The Conservatoire de Liege also seems to have the Concerto en mi mineur – presumably the 'Concerto symphonique' – although it seems they only have the string parts and full score rather than a full set of parts.

The early concerto mentioned by Fétis is presumably his Op.11, of which only the first movement seems to exist (for e.g. in the British Library) as a reduction/arrangement for piano.

Finally, the other 'concerto' mentioned by Fétis and marked in the liner notes as Op.31, may be an error by Fétis. The opus is actually a 'Grande étude de concert pour le piano. Op. 31' according to the BnF catalogue.

[FBerwald]

This Concerto symphonique in E minor seems worthy of further investigation considering that Berlioz thought so highly of it... according to the booklet! If the Full score is available then the parts can be made.

[Gareth Vaughan]

Well sleuthed, 4candles. Yes, that concerto symphonique is intriguing. I wonder if they would copy the full score. I shall ask. Do you have the catalogue number to hand?

[4candles]

On looking again, it looks like were looking at a manuscript rather than a printed copy.

The various materials are in 'Fonds Dupont, August (60) / Location: BLc 02 (mezzanine) / Cote 0211 / Barcodes 1056006 (carton 11 - string parts) , 1056008 (carton 4b - string parts) and 1056009 (carton 4a - L'harmonie)'. Where's 007 I wonder?! 

Hope that helps.

[Alan Howe]

Where's 007 I wonder?!

Indeed.

[Gareth Vaughan]

Thanks, 4candles. I found it. Yes a MS full score. Well, one can but ask.

[Alan Howe]

Best wishes for the attempt, Gareth...

[Sharkkb8]

This Hyperion "Romantic Piano Concerto" thread has understandably quieted down a bit, but....the recording is scheduled for release at the end of this week.

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8697038--dupont-benoit-piano-concertos

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Romantic-Concerto-Shelley-Sinfonieorchester-Hyperion/dp/B07ZW9Y395/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=benoit+dupont&qid=1580185122&s=music&sr=1-1

https://www.amazon.com/Romantic-Piano-Concerto-Vol-80/dp/B07ZW9Y395/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Romantic+Piano+Concerto+80&qid=1580185248&sr=8-1

https://music.apple.com/us/album/dupont-benoit-piano-concertos/1483043767

[Mark Thomas]

Auguste Dupont's Piano Concerto No.3 turns out to be a very worthwhile and enjoyable, if anonymous, discovery. The expansive first movement is properly dramatic, although I suspect that its material may prove to be unmemorable, and the finale avoids tail-chasing while still being chock-full of pianistic fireworks, but the slow movement is an absolutely gorgeous gem of a piece, sensuously lyrical and heartfelt. I'd certainly welcome an opportunity to hear more of Dupont's music. Needless to say Howard Shelley gives his all in a very committed performance.

[4candles]

Thanks, 4candles. I found it. Yes a MS full score. Well, one can but ask.

I'm curious, Gareth, whether you had any success with the Dupont from Liege? I've been looking at his early Allegro du Concerto, Op.11, (with markings for instrumental groups in the introductory harmony and throughout) and it would surely make an obvious disk coupling with this MS Concerto in E minor above.

Best wishes.
4c

[4candles]

The Conservatoire de Liege also seems to have the Concerto en mi mineur – presumably the 'Concerto symphonique' – although it seems they only have the string parts and full score rather than a full set of parts.

The early concerto mentioned by Fétis is presumably his Op.11, of which only the first movement seems to exist (for e.g. in the British Library) as a reduction/arrangement for piano.

Finally, the other 'concerto' mentioned by Fétis and marked in the liner notes as Op.31, may be an error by Fétis. The opus is actually a 'Grande étude de concert pour le piano. Op. 31' according to the BnF catalogue.

Interestingly (and perhaps Gareth has in the intervening time discovered this for himself), since my earlier post I have now seen that the Conservatoire de Liège also has a 'Fantaisie pour piano et orchestre. Esquisse', his Op.13 - in their supporting notes it says 'Concerto pour piano'. Perhaps this was the early concerto that Fétis mentioned in his writings? In any case we now potentially have two early works for piano and orchestra (this 'Fantaisie' and the earlier 'Allegro du Concerto', Op.11) which have the potential to join the Concerto in E minor on record. Only time (and an enterprising pianist and record label) will tell!

4c

[promusician]

Thanks for the information! Upon asking Conservatoire de Liège librarian, they agree to digitize the scores with a cost of 0.20€ per page, which is more than reasonable. If anyone wanted to join this project, please let me know. First priority of digitization will be the Concerto in E minor (196 pages)

[4candles]

I don't know how I missed it, but Dupont also has a 'Fantaisie Dramatique pour piano et orchestre', Op.79, to his name in Liège. The supporting notes give 'piano seul', but that is also the case with the early 'Allegro du Concerto' (ie it is possible individual instruments/instrumental groups are indicated in the score.

4c

[promusician]

Thanks for the information! Upon asking Conservatoire de Liège librarian, they agree to digitize the scores with a cost of 0.20€ per page, which is more than reasonable. If anyone wanted to join this project, please let me know. First priority of digitization will be the Concerto in E minor (196 pages)

I have asked in detail for this material.

Unfortunately, the material score contains all the parts : 2 flutes, oboe, clarinet, four horns, basson, 3 trombones, trumpets and kettledrum. There is no conductor but all these parts.

So another carton have the strings parts but no full score and piano part

[4candles]

How very frustrating! Perhaps the missing boxes (007, and 005 or 010? - presumably piano and full score) were used for the last performance of the work, if that could be established.

Were they able to help regarding the two 'Fantaisies', Op.13 and 79?