Obscure Music Monday: Chrétien's Nocturne

Hedwige Chrétien (July 15 - 1859 - 1944) was a French composer, and not a great deal is known about her.  She studied at the Paris Conservatory with Ernest Guiraud starting in 1874, and became a professor there in 1889. While she was a student, she won several awards for piano, counterpoint, harmony, and fugue, and she would go on to write around 150 compositions.

One of those many works is Nocture, for piano. This delightful piece in E major has a peaceful and happy-go-lucky feel about it, with its cheerful melody that starts in the left hand that makes its way to the right hand as well. She easily weaves the parts in both hands back and forth, with each trading off on melodic work and harmonic accompaniment. Written in 6/8, this composition is charming for both the musician, and the audience member.

Sadly, we can't find a recording of this. We hope that changes soon!