Émile Prudent - La danse des fées, Op. 41

Prudent’s ’The Dance of the Fairies’, or ’La réveil des fées’ (The Awakening of the Fairies), is a dreamy, toccata-like piece. Beginning the piece is a nearly three minute introduction that shifts between lyrical and calm passages, rapid and suspicious runs, and magnificently grand passages. In the second half of the piece, the right hand plays twinkling notes that represent the magical quality of the fairies. These notes require a light touch in order to give them an airy quality, and to not drown out the left hand’s melody. The piece is dedicated to Berlioz, who had listened to an orchestration of it in 1853. (based on PTNA notes) pf: Junko Sezaki original audio: