🎵 Alkan – Who Was Alkan?

The Pianist & Eccentric Charles Valentin Alkan (1813-1888), presented & performed by Ray Soukup, Music Director of the German Lutheran Church Washington D.C.

A piano prodigy, Alkan dazzled audiences of the 1830's and 1840's with his supervirtuosic performances and also attracted addition through his compositions, due to their employment of unusual techniques and imaginative titles. 

Yet a combination of circumstances and his retreat into a reclusive lifestyle led to him being consigned to near-oblivion in the French musical world. 

His rediscovery in the late 20th century has produced a wide variety of recordings and new discoveries regarding his life and times, especially among pianists with the capability and stamina to play his gigantic pieces such as the Symphony for Solo Piano and Concerto for Solo Pkano.  There has also been interest in his reflection of his Jewish heritage in his works.

Free Admission – Donations Welcome

👉 RSVP: https://df0dbf02.churchtrac.com/connect?ei=9H9CDFW

Ray Soukup can't wait playing for you...