Franck, Cesar (1822-1890) - Franck Violin Sonata, Chausson Concert : Isabelle Faust(Vn)Alexander Melnikov(P)Salagon Quartet - Import CD

Credits:

Hilary Hahn

Description:

Franck by Faust & Melnikov! Fantastically and delicately exquisite coupling is the famous Chausson's Conserter! Isabelle Faust's new release, a combination of Franck's famous sonata and Chausson's Concerto, is now available. Both works are by Franck and Chausson, two great French composers, and both are dedicated to the great violinist of the time, Eugène Ysaÿe (1858-1931). Faust has been remarkably active in Europe in recent years, and has become one of the world's leading performers of solo, chamber, and orchestral concertos, covering all styles and repertoire of various periods, from period instruments to modern. Recently, he has recorded the complete Mozart concertos (KKC 5691/ HMC 902230) and the Schumann concerto project (KKC 5477, KKC 5617, KKC 5618), and this time he will be performing on the Stradivari, nicknamed "Wuertang". This time, he will be performing on the Stradivari, nicknamed "Vutin". Melnikov has also shown great promise in the Schumann concerto project with Faust and Kellas, as well as in the Prokofiev sonatas (KKC 5694/ HMC 902202), so one can expect great things from this new recording.In Franck's sonata, from the prelude spun by Melnikov, one is drawn in unintentionally by the ineffable, fantastic atmosphere. The tone produced by Faust's frictionless bowing is delicate and fantastic. The final movement is also dashingly phrased, and the coda ends on a high note. At the age of 25, Chausson decided to pursue a career in music and entered the Paris Conservatory, where he took classes with Massenet and began to study composition with Franck, who was a professor in the organ department. He was also devoted to Wagner. His works from the same period include the passionate "Poem of Love and the Sea" (1882-93), the large-scale "King Arthus" (completed in 1895), and many other representative works rich in lyricism and color. The "Conserre" (1889-91) is a masterpiece that is like a treasure chest of famous melodies. The first movement is colored with beautiful modulations, the second movement is full of Chausson's lyricism with its beautiful Sicilienne melody of nostalgia and sadness, the third movement is solemn and full of chromaticism, and the fourth movement is fast-paced in six-eighths time with various melodies recalled to bring the work to a glorious close. Throughout, Faust's delicate expression is exquisite, and his ensemble with the Saragon Quartet, a mid-career ensemble formed in 2004 that focuses on 18th-century repertoire, is perfect. Melnikov provides both shade and sun to keep the music tight. King International

Tracklisting:

1.Sonate pour piano et violon in La majeur: I. Allegro ben moderato
2.Sonate pour piano et violon in La majeur: II. Allegro
3.Sonate pour piano et violon in La majeur: III. Recitativo fantasia. Ben moderato
4.Sonate pour piano et violon in La majeur: IV. Allegro poco mosso
5.Concert pour piano, violon et quatuor a cordes Op. 21 in Re majeur: I. Decide
6.Concert pour piano, violon et quatuor a cordes Op. 21 in Re majeur: II. Sicilienne
7.Concert pour piano, violon et quatuor a cordes Op. 21 in Re majeur: III. Grave
8.Concert pour piano, violon et quatuor a cordes Op. 21 in Re majeur: IV. Finale. Tres anime

Franck Collection List