Nocturne for piano No. 1 in E flat minor, Op. 33/1
Nocturne for piano No. 2 in B major, Op. 33/2
Nocturne for piano No. 3 in A flat major, Op.33/3
Nocturne for piano No. 4 in E major, Op. 36
Nocturne for piano No. 5 in B flat major, Op. 37
Nocturne for piano No. 6 in D flat major, Op. 63
Nocturne for piano No. 7 in C sharp minor, Op. 74
Nocturne for piano No. 8 in D flat major (also in Huit pièces brèves), Op. 84/8
Nocturne for piano No. 9 in B minor, Op. 97
Nocturne for piano No. 10 in B minor, Op. 99
Nocturne for piano No. 11 in F sharp minor, Op. 104/1
Nocturne for piano No. 12 in E minor, Op. 107
Nocturne for piano No. 13 in B minor, Op. 119
"Jalbert?s piano-playing is remarkable for its sweep, confidence, sensitivity, power and color." -FANFARE "Jalbert appears to be able to do anything he wants at the piano." ? ClassicsToday Fauré?s Nocturnes are, aft... more »er Chopin?s, among the most beautiful and beloved in the piano literature. They span almost his entire creative career, a period of nearly 50 years. This recording attempts to reconcile the two seemingly opposite aspects of Fauré?s piano writing: the clarity of rhythm and texture, and the warm lyricism he inherited from his Romantic predecessors.Pianist David Jalbert is one of the most firebrand talents of the new generation. With his personal style, incomparable stage presence and refined ear, he has convinced audiences and critics everywhere in North America. His first solo disc, dedicated to the works of Corigliano and Rzewski, was launched to great applause on Endeavour in 2004. Another disc of music for cello and piano followed in 2005. Jalbert?s interests in literature, cinema, rock ?n? roll and blues shine through his musical selections, which can be heard regularly on CBC Radio and Radio-Canada broadcasts. Notes in English and French by acclaimed Fauré biographer Jessica Duchen.« less
"Jalbert?s piano-playing is remarkable for its sweep, confidence, sensitivity, power and color." -FANFARE "Jalbert appears to be able to do anything he wants at the piano." ? ClassicsToday Fauré?s Nocturnes are, after Chopin?s, among the most beautiful and beloved in the piano literature. They span almost his entire creative career, a period of nearly 50 years. This recording attempts to reconcile the two seemingly opposite aspects of Fauré?s piano writing: the clarity of rhythm and texture, and the warm lyricism he inherited from his Romantic predecessors.Pianist David Jalbert is one of the most firebrand talents of the new generation. With his personal style, incomparable stage presence and refined ear, he has convinced audiences and critics everywhere in North America. His first solo disc, dedicated to the works of Corigliano and Rzewski, was launched to great applause on Endeavour in 2004. Another disc of music for cello and piano followed in 2005. Jalbert?s interests in literature, cinema, rock ?n? roll and blues shine through his musical selections, which can be heard regularly on CBC Radio and Radio-Canada broadcasts. Notes in English and French by acclaimed Fauré biographer Jessica Duchen.
CD Reviews
Great Faure CD
Amy | 07/28/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A pupil of Saint Saens and a mentor of Maurice Ravel, Gabriel Faure was a transitional figure in musical history; as Beethoven did with Classical and Romantic music, Faure similarly straddled the Romantic and Impressionistic labels. Claude Debussy and Ravel, the first full-fledged Impressionists, certainly pick up where Faure left off.
In these solo piano pieces, generally from the latter half of Faure's career, both the Romantic inspirations and the Impressionistic harmonies are evident. I am reminded of Brahms in Faure's use of the lower register of the keyboard which gives a more haunting sound, and of Mendelssohn in Faure's beautiful melodies, especially in his earlier Romances sans Paroles, a tribute to Mendelssohn's Songs without Words. But in Faure's nocturnes, influenced by Chopin, there are harmonies unlike any other in the Romantic era; ambiguous, hazy, and very Debussian. His Nocturnes No. 7 and 8 of 1898 are unbelievably radical for 19th century music, by any standard. My favorite Faure nocturne is No. 11, very heartbreaking and beautiful. The reason I like Faure's nocturnes to Chopin's is because they are not as straight forward. With Faure you have to really sit down and take time for repeated listenings to fully appreciate the beauty in Faure's music. Overall, Faure uses a romantic framework to advance his very forward-looking impressionistic style. If you love Faure as I do I highly recommend this cd."
Surprisingly Mature
Garry Feeney | Sydney. Australia | 08/27/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Direct comparison of this recording with that of Germaine Thyssens-Valentin is not unfavourable to this young pianist. He shows laudable restraint where some might exaggerate for effect and although he lacks the timing, subtlty and depth of interpretation of Thyssens-Valentin, (whom I regard as the benchmark in these works), he plays with a winning touch that is both fresh and beautiful. It is a surprisingly mature effort and offers excellent sound quality. I am happy to own this version of the nocturns along with others. I can't believe any lover of Faure would be disappointed."
Nocturnes or etudes?
Alexander T. Gafford | Midland, Ga United States | 12/26/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The notes for this recording imply that the title nocturnes was more or less imposed by the publisher on these pieces and that Faure did not intend them to be just in the the tradition of Field and Chopin nocturnes but to be wider ranging and more free in interpretation. That seems a good enough judgement as some of them are quite complex and involved but in each there is some ground to stand on and reflect from. David Jalbert's playing seems impeccable and thoughtful. I have never been a great fan of Faure but this recording is one I keep wanting to hear and I suspect most folks will find it as accessible and intriguing as I did."
Like hearing Faure's Nocturnes for the first time
John R. Blackburn Jr. | Santa Clara, CA USA | 08/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've heard many versions of Faure's Nocturnes, some by very talented and reputable classical pianists. But none have succeeded in simultaneously capturing the modal complexity and melodic beauty of these thirteen pieces as well as Jalbert."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1