Description

Mel Bonis (1858–1937) was born into a modest Parisian family. As a child, her musical talent was reluctantly supported by her family after her teacher – César Franck – convinced them to allow her to study at the Paris Conservatoire. She was never able to complete her studies as her parents ordered her into a marriage with a music-averse businessman, which resulted in a prolonged break from composing as she became burdened by the domestic expectations placed upon her. 

Several years later, she returned to composing and wrote over 300 musical works. Almost all of her compositions were published during her lifetime, a testament to the high regard she was held in as a musician.

Composed in 1911, “Six Valses-Caprices” was originally scored for piano four hands. Each movement depicts varying picturesque Parisian scenes while mingling transparent textures and delicate melodies. Throughout her extensive oeuvre, Bonis composed numerous waltzes and, in 1891, won first prize in a waltz competition organised by the journal “Piano-Soleil”.

1. Moderato
2. Vivo
3. Poco lento
4. [♩ =112]
5. Poco lento
6. Vivo