Obscure Music Monday: Holmès' Irlande

Augusta Holmès (Dec. 18, 1847 - Jan. 28 1903) was a pianist and composer, born in Paris, and of Irish descent. Despite showing great talent as a child, she wasn't allowed to take piano at the Paris Conservatory. Instead she took private piano lessons with Mademoiselle Peyrnnet, and later on, harmony and counterpoint with Henri Lambert, and composition lessons with Hyacinthe Klosé. Holmès became a student of César Frank in 1876, and considered him her greatest teacher.

Holmès' output as a composer included operas, chamber works, songs, and several orchestral works, including the tone poem Irlande (Ireland). Written in 1882, this work was a plea for political freedom, something she cared about deeply. It starts off with a rather melancholy clarinet line, but after that her ability to shape wonderfully long, colorful lines is on full display. You'll hear occasional lines repeated in succession, only a step higher, which is clear evidence of Franck's influence. After some jaunty and colorful lines, a dark theme emerges and then a bombastic rendition of the traditional Irish song Let Erin Remember.

We can't find a recording of this lovely work right now – but hopefully that changes soon!