Publication Information

First Edition: Paris, Heugel et Cie, 1871

Dedication: A Mlle Alice PEREIRE

Background and Context

The French first edition of this work depicts a scene where a mother and children gather, and one child reads a book aloud to everyone. This piece can be described as a musical painting depicting such "innocent" (yet educational) bourgeois domestic daily life of the time. Lavenas had two beloved children with his student L. Bidault: Léon (1852-1870) and Emma (1853-after 1902). In fact, the year before this work was published, Lavenas lost his only son, Léon. This small musical painting seems to convey the composer's affection for family life with children.

Musical Analysis

Beginning and Theme

After hearing a rustic melody set to a musette-like ostinato in the prelude, the main theme begins at measure 19. When playing the theme, it is important to create contrast between the phrases indicated by slurs and the staccato notes (e.g., measures 22, 26) to achieve delicate nuances. Considering the balance with the left hand and controlling the contrast at p is surprisingly difficult, making it an excellent practice. The tenuto-staccato markings appearing in measures 40-41 indicate that each note should be clearly separated while maintaining its full duration. In addition to these markings, there are also caret-shaped accent marks (^) for particular emphasis, so try to play with differentiation, considering the meaning of each instruction.

Middle Section

In the middle section, starting from measure 91, the introductory motif appears in C major. A simple 8-measure melody is repeated, but the dynamics change every four measures, and there are alternations between una corda and tre corde. It is necessary to be fully aware of changes in timbre to avoid monotony.

Recapitulation and Ending

The main theme returns from measure 143, but at the end of the piece, when the theme is repeated at measure 173, there is an interesting moment where the melody briefly breaks off (measure 179). After a hesitation, the story continues, but at measure 184, the introductory motif reappears majestically, and the "story" reaches an unexpected conclusion, finally returning to the peaceful main theme (measure 190) and quietly closing with una corda, "dying away" (perdendosi). The final two ff chords (measures 199-200) sound as if the children are shouting "The End!" in unison.

Notes and References

(Note 1) Henri Lavenas, Lavenas Piano Works, edited by Yasushi Ueda, Tokyo: Kawai Publishing, p. 39.

This commentary is based on the commentary in Henri Lavenas, Lavenas Piano Works (Kawai Publishing, edited by Yasushi Ueda), published in 2015.

 Score Information: Kawai Publishing ONLINE Lavenas Piano Works