Great composers: Louise Farrenc
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
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What is the course about?
Louise Farrenc was a child prodigy pianist and promising composer who went on to a musical career that opened up the possibilities for women in French musical life and culture. Her Études Op.36, written in all keys, became the set work for all piano students at the Paris Conservatoire, and her chamber music, especially the Nonet Op.38, was widely performed and admired.
Farrenc was the only female musician in the 19th century to be a permanent professor at the Conservatoire, and she also worked with her husband Aristide Farrenc on the compilation and editing of the multivolume anthology Le trésor des pianistes, which pre-Romantic keyboard music easily available to professional and amateur pianists and kick-started the French musical renaissance of the 1870s.
The 150th anniversary of Farrenc’s death is celebrated in 2025, so look out for live performances of her most works.
What will we cover?
- Overview of Farrenc’s life and musical career
- highlights of the composer’s output (chamber music, piano works, symphonies) and characteristics of her style
- Farrenc as a music educator in 19th century France
- Farrenc’s role work with Aristide Farrenc and their role in the early music movement.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- know about the life and career of Louise Farrenc
- know and recognise her major compositions
- understand her role in French musical culture of the 19th century.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a beginners’ course. No prior knowledge of music or opera is assumed or expected. You will need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions and take part in class discussion in English, and to take your own notes. Any material in French will be accompanied by English translations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentation, guided listening and watching, class discussion.
Course materials will be shared via Google Classroom, with recommendations to encourage further exploration after the course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please have a pen and notebook to make your own notes during class. You may wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class; links to these materials will be available after each session. You may also wish to attend live performances.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a wide range of Music history courses. For more information, visit our Guide to the Music history programme. You may also be interested in courses in history, art, ideas, German culture, etc.
