Pierné: La Musique De Chambre Vol 1

Thanks to the efforts of the Timpani label, the music of French conductor and composer Gabriel Pierné is being recorded with consistent high quality and thorough coverage, particularly in this series of his chamber works. Pierné's music dates from the late Romantic and early modern eras, a period spanning roughly 50 years between the belle epoque and World War II. As one might imagine, Pierné's works have several features in common with those of his teachers, Franck and Massenet, and to a lesser extent, some traits shared with his contemporaries, Fauré and Debussy; in short, his oeuvre is perhaps closest in attitude and approach to the music of Camille Saint-Saëns.

Listening to this double-disc package of Pierné's compositions for various combinations of instruments, whether in sonata form or as single-movement character pieces, one is struck by his graceful melodies, effervescent timbres, and lively rhythms, rather than by any formal matters or developmental procedures; and his music is often infused with the charming languor that is most associated with the fin de siècle. This poignant, perfumed style dominates Disc 1, especially in the Sonata for violin and piano (1900), but it is contrasted by the darker hues and brooding intensity of the Piano Quintet (1916-1917), which points to a more impressionistic phase. Disc 2 is filled with several delightful preludes and short pieces for woodwinds, but the major pieces are the Sonata da camera for flute, cello and piano (1926), and the ballet Giration (1933), which, while equally appealing in color and melody, have more substantial and satisfying forms.

The performances by soloists from the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra are led by Christian Ivaldi, in many instances from the piano; and these musicians demonstrate a genuine fondness for this light music, as well as a kind of virtuosity that is always high-spirited and effortless. Timpani's audio quality is exceptional, with bright sonorities and a warm resonance that make these performances especially inviting. --allmusic

Like a skillfully varied box of the finest chocolates, Pierné’s chamber music offers a series of exquisite surprises.Sound is so immediately upfront that one hears the players’ fingerwork, but also well balanced, closely detailed, and gutsy. --Fanfare

2 CDs · MP3 320 · 302 MB