This piece is by the mysterious author of the still-popular 'Le Lac de Côme' (Lake Como), 6th Nocturne, which I have also recorded for YouTube. It is quite likely—though not certain—that the author is the person described on this website: [ Ссылка ] . That is Marie Cécile Galos, better known as Mme C. Galos or Mme Th(éodore) Galos, born Marie Cécile Larreguy on October 27, 1821 in Paris and died on September 4, 1903 in Bordeaux. The only argument against that is the publisher Gregh's spelling of her name as 'Galas', and describing pieces published in 1926 as 'new', although pieces published in 1924 are marked 'in memoriam'. Certainly, her work covers a long period—ranging from early works from the 1850s to pieces such as this one which are in a decidedly turn-of-the century style. Indeed, the use of augmented 5ths in chords towards the end of this piece is more 20th century than one might expect from the author of the early nocturnes. Galos' pieces are composed of stock salon music techniques and gestures. However, they succeed where so much similar music has been forgotten because they lie well on the piano, have pleasant melodies, and, above all, they are well-proportioned and concise. Here is my translation of a eulogy to Galos' nocturnes included at the front of the score of Gregh's publications of the 1920s:
“What is this pathetic voice that sings in the evening and can move the hardest of hearts? It is a NOCTURNE of GALOS.
No melody is softer or dreamier under the fingers of the performer; no impression is deeper and truer, whether evoking bells in the dusk or the beauty of a landscape.
The works of Galos—dedicated in memoriam—are famous throughout the world.
One is sure to succeed in playing or singing them, because they are written to be within
the reach of all.”
The piece is sometimes described as 'arranged' by the composer, but any shepherds singing this would presumably be bel canto opera singers enjoying a second career!.
My thumbnail shows a photo by Paweł Czerwiński of the street-art Mural "Pasterz", in Bielsko-Biała, Poland (Unsplash: [ Ссылка ] ).
---------------------------------------
Played by Phillip Sear
[ Ссылка ] (Email: piano4@psear.33mail.com
WhatsApp: [ Ссылка ] )
