Frederic Curzon
The Boulevardier for Piano Trio
Frederic Curzon (1899-1973) was born in London. He was trained as a pianist and at the age of 16 he was playing in London theaters in the West End. At the age of 20 he was composing and conducting accompaniments for silent films. He was considered among the very best of the English light music composers and served as President of the Light Music Society.
The Boulevardier was probably his best-known piece. It is a character piece, an intermezzo composed around 1940. It is a superbly crafted miniature which manages to capture the elegant swagger and sophisticated demeanour of the man-about-town as he strolls self-assuredly along the Parisian thoroughfares. The steady tread of the no-doubt spats-bedecked footwear sets the scene perfectly for the coolly-poised main theme which subsequently reveals an unexpected suitability for canonic treatment. The slightly more flamboyant middle section ensures that appearances are maintained throughout, with occasional hints of the 'walking' motif emerging from time to time. It all adds up to a very clever piece of writing, the hallmark of a skilled composer. Originally for string orchestra to be played at spas and pavilions, its great popularity led to it being arranged for dozens of combinations. Ours was made Professor Vincent Oddo, a composer in his own right.
Parts: $14.95
