Op. 76a: Romance sans paroles

Publisher: Enoch
Date: 1923

Instrumentation: piano four hands

1. Souvenance 2. Élévation 3. Idylle.4. Églogue 5. Chanson Bretonne 6. Meditation.

Six Romances sans paroles is a set of lyrical piano miniatures following in the tradition Felix Mendelssohn bearing the same title. The set was written original by Chaminade for piano solo in 1893 and later transcribed by the composer.

Souvenance is dedicated to the composer and piano pedagogue J. A. Wiernsberger. After passionate surges, this first piece closes on a calm, suspended note.

Élévation is dedicated to Dr. Paul Landovski.

Idylle is dedicated to Henri Kaiser.

Églogue is dedicated to the pianist, composer, and teacher George Falkenberg. The continuous accompaniment of eighth notes, syncopations, and the frequent melodic repetitions evoke the character of a lullaby.

Chanson Bretonneis dedicated to Adolphe Wouters, piano professor at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels. This piece marked marcatissimo remind us of Breton folk music.

The final piece of the set, Méditation, is dedicated to pianist, composer, and teacher Charles René. This piece is full of contemplative expressive pianistic writing.