The Symphonies of Louise Farrenc (1804-1875): A Comparative Examination

Abstract

This study examines the three symphonies of Louise Farrenc. The entirety of Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 35 is discussed, with the finale movements of symphonies 1 and 3 being provided to compare form, tonality, and orchestration. Each analysis is supplemented by formal charts and an appendix of relevant musical examples. The first section supplies biographical information on Louise Farrenc, followed by a list of her compositions. The second section discusses scholarship available on Farrenc, including contemporaneous primary sources and recent dissertations, books, and articles. The third section presents an overview of the three symphonies and the historical context surrounding each. The fourth section provides analyses for the first three movements of Symphony No. 2, which is followed by analyses of each symphony’s finale movements in section five. This thesis aims to account for current scholarship available of Louise Farrenc and her music, assimilate relevant primary and secondary sources, and present a comprehensive study on her symphonies through analysis of representative movements.