Obscure Music Monday: Galos' Nocturne No. 3

Giselle Galos (commonly known as C. Galos) was an obscure 19th century pianist and composer, born in France.  Very little is known about her; she didn't perform in public, and mainly published her works under the name "C. Galos" and no one knew if they were a woman or man. Some earlier works were found however, with the name "Madmoiselle Giselle Galos" or "Giselle Galos", therefore confirming they were written by a woman.

Most of her compositions were salon works for the piano, and her Nocturne No. 3, "Shepherd's Song" is no exception. It starts of quite dramatically and in a minor key, but when it opens up, the arpeggiated left hand and cheerful melody in the right are in a major key, and any sense of drama is left behind. The melody sounds like something you should sing along to, minus the wonderful runs she writes here and there. It's a pleasant work; nothing earth shattering, but certainly enjoyable all the same.

Sadly we can't find a recording of this charming work. We hope that changes soon!