CÉSAR FRANCK

 

Symphonic Variations, Piano Pieces

 

Prélude, choral et fugue, for piano solo 1884

1. Prélude

2. Choral

3. Fugue

4. Les djinns, symphonic poem for piano and orchestra after Victor Hugo

1884

Prélude, aria et final, for piano solo 1886-1887

5. Prélude

6. Aria

7. Finale

8. Variations symphoniques, for piano and orchestra 1885

Prélude, fugue et variation, piano and harmonium version c.1865

9. Prélude

10. Fugue

11. Variation

 

Bertrand Chamayou (piano),

Olivier Latry (harmonium)

Royal Scottish National Orchestra / Stéphane Denève

 

Bertrand Chamayou collaborates with one of Europe’s leading symphony orchestras, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, to record solo and orchestral works by César Franck.

 

Fuelled by the desire to bring César Franck’s music out of obscurity, Bertrand Chamayou here demonstrates wonderfully why Franck’s music should be an essential element in the concerto repertory of a virtuoso pianist. The programme here features the four great works Franck wrote for the piano – each one, rarely recorded. Though ‘Prélude, choral et fugue’ and ‘Variations Symphoniques’ appear frequently in concert programmes, the other works recorded here are less well-known. ‘Prélude, aria et final’ is a genuine neglected masterpiece. “It is an example of the quintessence of Franck’s art, a virtually perfect work.” - Chamayou states in his booklet note. The scintillating symphonic poem, Les Dijnns, follows and can be said to clearly affirm Franck’s status as the direct successor of Liszt. The recording ends with ‘Prélude, fugue et variation’ - a work that possesses undeniable charm and melodic grace that has excited envy among pianists. Chamayou opts to perform the rare and delightful salon arrangement by the composer himself.

 

Naïve V5208