Description
Cécile Chaminade (1857-1944) was one of the first French women to win an important place in the world of composition. She enjoyed considerable success during her lifetime, but her music practically disappeared into obscurity in the second half of the 20th century, before a recent resurgence of interest in her music.
Perhaps best known for her Flute Concertino she also wrote numerous songs and piano works but, amongst her larger-scale output, only the ballet symphonique Callirhoë (1888) has enjoyed lasting popularity. The ballet’s graceful and charming Scarf Dance (Pas des écharpes) is its highlight. It was later included as one of the four movements in her Callirhoë: Suite d’Orchestre. Capitalising on its success Chaminade also produced a solo piano arrangement of the Scarf Dance – millions of copies of which were sold during her lifetime – and it remains a very popular piece.
