Search - J. Jongen :: Joseph Jongen: Trio Op. 10; Aquarelles Op. 59; Deux Pièces en trio, Op. 95

Three Faces of Jongen

Dace Gisclard | Houston, TX | 03/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is an ideal introduction to the voluptuous yet well-wrought music of Joseph Jongen, who was hailed during his lifetime (in the 1930's) as the greatest Belgian composer after Franck. Each work is from a different period in his stylistic evolution.



Dating from 1896-97, the Trio for violin, cello and piano (unlike the Trio, Op.30, which is for the rather unusual combination of violin, VIOLA and piano) is representative of the full-blooded Franckist romanticism of Jongen's early manner.



Although the two Aquarelles (Water Colors) for violin and piano of 1918 are perhaps not among the greatest works of his middle period, they are delicate and well-written salon pieces of the highest order. Here Jongen attempted to, and succeeded in, pleasing a new public and a new publisher (Chester) in London, where he had temporarily settled in order to avoid the hostilities of WWI. There is a new lightness of touch, and greater reliance on pentatonic and whole-tone scales, suggestive of Ysaye and Faure.



The major work here is undoubtedly the Deux Pieces en Trio of 1931. Ravel's modal melodies and metallic glint have entered into the picture, although Jongen retains his own characteristic gentleness. The lyrical Elegie nocturnale contrasts deliciously with the vehement rhythms of the Allegro appassionato. I have loved this work for over 50 years in an LP by the Trio de Bruxelles--it's good to have a modern recording!



In a review of the Ensemble Joseph Jongen's recording of the Piano Quartet and Piano Trio Op.30, I mentioned that although the CD was "thoroughly pleasurable," that I could imagine performances that were "more intense and abandoned." Something happened to galvanize the same group here. These performances are all one could wish for in passion and virtuosity.



COLLECTORS' ADVICE: 2003 marked the 50th anniversary of the composer's death, and quite a few recordings were made by labels like FUGA LIBERA, CYPRES and PAVANE. Unfortunately, a mere six years later, these releases are being deleted with alarming abruptness. Vol.1 of Diane Andersen's (the pianist of the Ensemble Joseph Jongen) series of the complete piano music is almost unobtainable, although Vol.2 is still fairly easy to find. Fans of late 19th to early 20th-century French romantics should waste no time in snatching up as much of Jongen's luscious stuff as they can before the remaining copies disappear."

Great cd to have!

Shih Chi Chen | Boston | 03/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I happened to purchase this cd on a trip to Asia. It was simply fantastic: great romantic music and stellar recording!"