Detaily
Formát: CD, Album
Žánr: Classical
• The elegant and charming pieces on "Avec Esprit" from the francophone world of the late 19th and early 20th century showcase once again award-winning Duo Tal & Groethuysen’s incredible ability to seek out beautiful rarities. Two of the compositions were written by Theodore Gouvy (1819 - 1898) with whom Tal & Groethuysen have a special "friendship", as they were the first musicians to dedicate an entire album to him in the early 1990s. His style can be placed roughly between that of Mendelssohn and Schumann, with a specific sweet and opulent sound and appealing gesture. Examples of his artistry on this album include the Sonata in D minor op. 66 (1876) and the Variations on the Irish melody Lilli Bullero op. 62 (1877). At about the same time, Camille Saint-Saëns (1835 - 1921) composed the Variations on a Theme by Beethoven op. 35 (1874). After a short introduction in improvisatory manner, the theme is presented, which comes from the minuet, or rather its trio, from the Piano Sonata op. 31 no. 3. This is followed by ten variations, including a fugue in Baroque style. Saint-Saens' language is rather terse and classicistic, but also virtuous and with a touch of humor. The complete works of the pianist and composer Théophile Ysaÿe (1865 - 1918), brother to famous violinist Eugène, have remained virtually undiscovered to this day, yet he left behind a thoroughly extensive repertoire. In order to present his talent, this album contains his Variations op. 10 (1910). This highly artistic work, with its lush harmonies that are reminiscent of César Franck, has charming and impressionist qualities. The French female composer Marguerite Mélan-Gouéroult (1848-1936) is a real discovery! Almost nothing is known about her, but her lively, romantic character piece Tourbillion, dedicated to Saint-Saëns, suggests that she was a fixture in Parisian musical life of the time.