Sicilienne

Maria Theresia von Paradis (1759-1824) was a remarkable figure in music history, for not only did she attain significant triumphs as both a composer and performer -- rare enough achievements for a woman living in eighteenth and nineteenth century Europe -- but she had to cope with the dreadful handicap of blindness. She was born in Vienna on May 15, 1759. Her father, Joseph Anton von Paradis, was Imperial Secretary of Commerce under Empress Maria Theresia, after whom young Maria was named. When Maria was two she began losing her eyesight, and by the age of five she was blind. She studied with Antonio Salieri (who composed an organ concerto for her 1773), Leopold Kozeluch, and Karl Frieberth. Treatments by Anton Mesmer in 1776-1777 offered hope her vision might partially be restored, but after 1777 she had to resign herself to a life of total blindness.
By this time she had already established a career as a pianist and singer in Viennese concert halls and salons. Moreover, she had gained respect from the most prominent composers and musicians of the day, including Mozart. By some accounts, his Piano Concerto No. 18 (K. 456) was written for her.

This nice transcription of the famous "Sicilienne" was done by Pierre Gounin. I believe this was originally a violin solo, also popular with cellists.

This was played to demonstrate two beautiful reeds from the Positif division - the Cor Anglais 16' and the Clarinette 8'.

You'll hear first the Clarinette, then the Cor Anglais (coupled to the Grand Orgue at 4' pitch), then the Clarinette with Tremulant, and then the Cor Anglais with Tremulant.

Normally, I would have the tremulant either "on or off," but my intent was to show the two options in one upload.

The accompaniment is played upon the Flûte harmonique 8’ & Zartgedackt 8’ of the Swell, with the Zartgedackt 8’ being removed for the final few measures.

The score is attached below, as a portrait of Maria Theresia von Paradis.

MORE TO COME!