The solo piano works of Jean Françaix: an annotated guide

This dissertation is an annotated guide to the solo piano works of twentieth-century French composer Jean Fran aix (1912 1997). Fran aix composed over two hundred works during his lifetime, but a substantial portion of these works remain unknown to twenty-first century audiences. Fran aix maintained a reputation for perpetual youth that is audible in his music, and he never deviated from his own musical voice.

Each annotation includes a description of the piece with relevant background information, such as the date of composition, the date and location of the premi re, and the dedicatee. The annotations also provide practical information, including meter, form, and tempo, as well as pedagogically useful details such as large stretches or technical challenges. As the goal of this project is not to serve as a performer s guide, performance practices suggestions such as pedaling and fingering are kept to a minimum. I have also included my thoughts on the character and stylistic qualities of each piece, in the hope of sharing their appeal.

Fran aix s music remains valuable for the enjoyment it brings both performers and audiences. His works also give a fuller picture of the diverse compositional practices occurring simultaneously in France during the latter half of the twentieth century.