[1441] HOLMÈS, Augusta Mary Anne
PIANIST, POETESS
BORN: Paris, December 16, 1847
DIED: Paris, January 28 1903
So, what I tend to look for when browsing these names online is, a piece of music that immediately or quickly gets my attention and stands out from an endless ocean of stereotypical Classical. Some exceptional character, which depends strongly on the writing of the musical arrangement, and the players' finely executing this in a notably special way. I try to be a cherry picker.
After being uninterested in three prior names and pieces I picked, This piece did those things I required in my mind-
Augusta Holmès - "Fantaisie"Performers: Luigi Magistrelli and Claudia Bracco -----
So, now for my unprofessional notes for you, hopefully I do this lady no disgrace. Born to Scottish and Irish parents, the passing of her mother sort of set her on a determined artistic path. She was a nurse in the Franco-Prussian War. Honestly it's a bit dry in places and I'm not here to regurgitate Greene's summary - she studied orchestra - began to spend time with a poet named Catulle Mendes and they had three kids together. She was recognized and received awards for some of her compositions. Only some of her works had been recorded at the time of the entry. Apparently late in life she became obsessed with her Irish roots and converted to Catholisism, died at 55.
So, about this tune I love the players on this recording, they feel expressive, animated, alive. It's a fun, sort of intriguing, maybe even mischievous kind of vibe even. Honestly, it means what it means to you and we are all going to feel and think what we each do. But this track stood out as an immediately captivating one and I decided it was the one for this post.
Hope you find it an intriguing piece of music as I did.
Thank you, anyone and everyone reading this pet project of mine.
-M
