At the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries, classical composers wrote “light” music and publishers were happy to back this market niche to increase sales figures. As such, salon music flourished both in society and at home. The dance repertoire in Mel Bonis’ compositions consists mainly of these “salon pieces”, as does the collection of works for four hands which contains some of the same pieces. This volume once again illustrates that even those pieces considered as “light” are characterised by the elements of elegance and depth of expression.
"While the first three pieces ("Etiolles", "Les Gitanos" and "Mazurka") are in fact "only" exceptionally good salon music, the "Suite en forme de valses" is a work that would do any recital of French music credit should and need not be ashamed next to similar works by Fauré or Saint-Saëns." (Piano News 5, September / October 2013)
Recommended for the following exam grade(s):
ABRSM Piano (2023 to 2024)