Charles Valentin Alkan’s cycle of variations Le Festin d’Ésope derives from his monumental series of etudes op. 39, the 12 Études dans tous les Tons Mineurs, and forms the culmination of that work. Now G. Henle Publishers presents, for the first time in an Urtext edition, what is by far the most well-known piano composition by this French pianist and composer notorious for the extreme virtuosity of his works. Because no autograph manuscripts survive, the first edition from 1857 is the sole source. The premier Alkan scholar Wolfgang Rathert gives details about the life and œuvre of the composer in his preface, while fingerings are provided by the Italian keyboard virtuoso Vincenzo Maltempo, who has recorded numerous works by Alkan. By popular demand, this composer may also now finally assume his place in the Henle Urtext catalogue! Norbert Gertsch (Editor) Vincenzo Maltempo (Fingering) Wolfgang Rathert (Preface)