Search - Georges Bizet, Claude Debussy, Gabriel Faure :: French Piano Duets

Pleasant music, charmingly played

pseudonym | Northeast USA | 12/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Good ensemble; sensitive touch; appropriate level of dynamic contrast....I especially enjoyed the Faure and Poulenc. Oh, and the CD is very reasonably priced."

Captivating Musical Reveries - Oustanding Performance

Classicalfan | Reston, VA USA | 11/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The two pianists on this EMI Debut Series CD have made a wonderful selection of compositions by French composers, beginning with Francis Poulenc (1899 - 1963) and ending with Georges Bizet (1838 - 1875). One common theme of all five selections is that they are from five French composers active in the late nineteenth and earlier part of the twentieth century. The most modern composer is Poulenc, who lived until 1963. However, the Poulenc composition selected is one of his earliest, from 1918. Another common musical theme of all the selections is childhood and youth, and its dreams and playfulness.



The first selection, by Poulenc, especially the beginning of the first part, "Prelude", struck me as the most lively. The other performances are more gentle, sometimes fast and intricate, sometimes slow and gently undulating, and always played with sensitivity, subtlety, and youthful enthusiasm. I have listened to this CD a number of times and find it equally well-suited to being played as pleasant background music, or for soothing, meditative pleasure, or, with its delicately poised interplay between the two pianists, for a stimulating, intriguing experience.



As stated by Gramophone magazine: "This selection of popular French piano duets, excellently played in a quiet, unforced manner, makes for an enjoyable disc. Nothing is overplayed and most pieces radiate a calm and restrained beauty . . . recommendable for its lucid and honest musicianship, its fresh and stylish playing . . . the recorded sound is wonderfully natural and clear."



The sound quality of the recording is truly first rate and the booklet essay, in English, French, and German, is well-written and informative. Very highly recommended to anyone with an interest in French classical music, virtuosity in piano performance, or both. Total Time: 72:38"