No.13 Consolation
Description
The quiet that follows a departure is what "Consolation" seems to depict, in settled harmonic progressions. As the thirteenth study of Op. 100 it comes directly after "The Farewell," and played straight after it, it lets the tension of the parting quietly ease.
A melody supported by chords is sung carefully at an unhurried tempo. This C major, common-time piece spans exactly three octaves, among the narrowest in the collection, and with no large movements to make, the harmonic motion itself becomes the thing to listen for. The note count is modest, leaving room to let each sound ring.
Carrying a legato melody on top of chords is the main work. Holding the uppermost voice through to the next chord while the harmony changes underneath requires substituting fingers to sustain notes. Practising that connection with the fingers alone, without leaning on the pedal, pays off wherever the same texture appears later in the set.
A set of beginner études by Burgmüller, each bearing an evocative title, offering a classic way to develop technique and musical expression together.
Browse all songs in 25 Easy and Progressive Studies Op.100 →Sheet Music
Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
Johann Friedrich Franz Burgmüller (1806-1874)
Johann Friedrich Franz Burgmuller was born in Germany and spent much of his career in Paris, where he composed the ballet La Peri. He is best remembered today for his pedagogical piano collections, especially the 25 Etudes faciles et progressives, Op. 100, whose accessible, tuneful pieces remain popular with beginning pianists. This site includes Nos. 1 to 18 of the 25 Etudes, Op. 100, beginning with "La Candeur" and "Arabesque."
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