Catherine Serenade melancolique

The “serenade” (from the Italian serenata) was originally a light-hearted vocal piece accompanied by one or more instruments, meant to be played after nightfall. Very fashionable during the 18th century, it fell into disuse during the 19th, only to regain its full splendour in the 20th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, Alphonse Catherine – chef de chant, composer, and director of the Paris Opéra – composed the Sérénade mélancolique for flute and piano, tinged with poetry and endowed with a sustained and elegant melody. This edition contains a historical introduction by Bruno Jouard.