Bonis Mel. Scherzo pour deux pianos

Paris: Alphonse Leduc Editeur, 1898. — 17 p.Mélanie Hélène "Mel" Bonis was a prolific French late-Romantic composer. She wrote more than 300 pieces, including works for piano solo and four hands, organ pieces, chamber music, mélodies, choral music, a mass, and works for orchestra.
Bonis’s Scherzo, Op. 40, was written in 1898, precisely during Bonis’ passionate affair with Hettich, and was dedicated to her sister’s husband, George Aboilard. This was one of the only works for two pianos that Bonis wrote. As a scherzo, the piece follows the typical triple meter time signature and is embellished with multiple thematic surprises and flowery motifs. Opening with a dramatic flourish, as the music develops, new ideas are introduced, gradually unfolding like scenes of a play. Various moods are explored, from mystery to exuberance to tension. The piece is richly textured with varying articulation, from stately staccato to flowing legato, with many singing melodies played in unison by the first and second piano. Eventually, it builds up to a climatic cadenza by the second piano before abruptly entering an emotional and romantic middle section. Following the middle section, the piece is brought to its glorious resolution when the themes from the beginning section return. Although Bonis’ Scherzo is rarely performed, the piece, with its brilliant distinctive sound and colour, shows how female composers contributed to classical music.
Inteneded for student of music universities