Stéphan Elmas
An Armenian composer, wrote his first piano concerto in G minor at the age of only 20. This work displays impressive virtuosity and technically demanding requirements, suggesting that it was intended to showcase his pianistic talent. The concerto testifies to his ability to create complex compositions. The Stéphan Elmas Foundation, established by his nephews Georges and Grégoire in 1988, is dedicated to disseminating his musical legacy. Elmas was born into a wealthy family in Smyrna (now İzmir, Turkey) and was a child prodigy. He began studying piano at an early age, including with a local teacher named Moseer. His musical journey took him to Franz Liszt in Weimar and later to Anton Door in Vienna. As a virtuoso, he traveled throughout Europe, composing numerous works for piano and forging close friendships with artists such as Jules Massenet and Édouard Risler.
After contracting typhus and becoming deaf, Elmas concentrated on composing and teaching. He lived a secluded life in Geneva, where he met the painter Aimée Rapin, who painted with her feet despite being missing arms. Elmas suffered from depression following the Armenian Genocide and died in 1937. His legacy is preserved at the Charents Museum in Yerevan. His Piano Concerto No. 1 displays a sensitive and virtuosic compositional style influenced by Chopin.
The Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor, which Elmas wrote in 1887, was not published until 1923. This work is characterized by a rich Romantic musical language with tempestuous passages and intense emotion. The finale is reminiscent of Chopin but is distinguished by its charm and interesting rhythmic patterns. Elmas's musical output is often categorized as Romantic and reflects both his virtuosity and his emotional depth.