The Song of the Mad Woman on the Shore (Alkan Op 31 No 8)

This is for Halloween 2020 - so yes I intentionally made it look dark and spooky. Alkan is a classical composer who was truly unique in that he uses a piano in ways that are not (or were not) "mainstream" at the time. I love any pianist who makes the piano make a sound I never heard before.

In this composition, the damper pedal is down the entire time so all the harmonies clash and mix into this wonderful sort of atmosphere. The left hand chords are very low, and all mix together to form the sound of the ocean waves crashing on the shore. The right hand melody is rather strange and well above the left hand creating this fascinating effect of the "mad woman" voice singing above the waves.

I'm spending quite a bit of time woodshedding classical pieces during my "COVID break". I find classical music always informs my jazz improvisation and also improves my technique. Great way to kill two birds with one stone!

By Charles-Valentin Alkan (1813-1888)
Prelude Op 31 No 8
In French the title is: "La chanson de la folle au bord de la mer: Lentement"

Видео The Song of the Mad Woman on the Shore (Alkan Op 31 No 8) канала Rob Rennie