Obscure Music Monday: Jadin's Duo for Piano Four Hands
Hyacinthe Jadin (April 27, 1776 - Sept. 27, 1800) was a pianist and composer born in to a musical family in Versailles. His uncle George Jadin was a composer, and his father was an orchestral musician. He also had five musical brothers. Jadin's first composition was published at age nine, and at 13, he premiered his first work. He would go on to work as a rehearsal pianist, and taught a women's piano class at the Paris Conservatory. He sadly suffered from tuberculosis the last five years of his life, and died in poverty.
Jadin's output as a composer included music of chamber winds, string ensembles, and many piano works. His Duo for Piano Four Hands was published in 1796, and dedicated to his brother Louis, who was also a composer. While written in the late Classical era, there are some harmonic hints at early Romanticism. There are three movements: Allegro brilliante, Andante, and Rondo Allegro. The first movement is upbeat with a cheerful melody, and both pianists have their share of melody, harmony, and fun, fast runs. The Andante starts out a little darkly before a section of cheer that then goes back to the darker feel. The Rondo Allegro has a cheeky, fun mood about it with quick grace notes in the first part, and the movement has a wonderful, playful feel about it!
Unfortunately we couldn't find a recording of this, but we hope that changes soon!