The 25 Etudes faciles, Op. 50 are a set of piano studies composed by Louise Farrenc, likely between 1859 and 1863. They are among Farrenc’s most enduring pedagogical works and a cornerstone of her contribution to 19th-century piano teaching repertoire. Though titled faciles ("easy"), the studies demonstrate considerable musical refinement and are aimed at the late intermediate pianist.

Background

Louise Farrenc (1804–1875) was a distinguished French composer, concert pianist, and was for thirty years a professor of piano at the Paris Conservatoire—the only woman to hold that position in the 19th century. During her tenure, she developed a systematic approach to piano pedagogy, producing several sets of etudes designed to combine technical discipline with musical expression.

The 25 Études, Op. 50, were composed after her more famous 30 Études dans tous les tons majeurs et mineurs, Op. 26, and her advanced 12 Études brillantes, Op. 41. They were first published in Paris by the composer's husband, Aristide Farrenc, with later editions by Leduc and other major publishers. Together, these sets form a comprehensive method comparable to the studies of Czerny or Cramer, but with a distinctly lyrical and French Romantic idiom.

Structure

The set consists of 25 short studies for solo piano, arranged progressively by difficulty. Each étude focuses on a specific technical challenge while maintaining a strong melodic character. Many early editions included descriptive titles for each piece.

A representative selection includes:

1. No. 1 in C major – Andante grazioso (For connecting the melody)

2. No. 3 in G major – Allegretto (To practice light staccato in both hands)

3. No. 7 in C major – Andante grazioso (To practice the trill)

4. No. 15 in A-flat major – Vivo (Waltz movement to be played gracefully)

5. No. 25 in F major – Allegro (For equality in triplets between both hands)

A complete performance of all twenty-five pieces lasts approximately 25–30 minutes.