Fernande Decruck's "Concertante Works, Vol. 2" is a captivating journey through the compositions of the French composer, showcasing her mastery of orchestral and solo instrumental interplay. Released on March 7, 2025, by Claves Records, this album is the second volume dedicated to Decruck's concertante works, following the success of its predecessor. The album features world premiere recordings of four of her works, performed by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Matthew Aubin, with stellar contributions from cellist Jeremy Crosmer, violist Mitsuru Kubo, and harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani.
The album opens with Decruck's Concerto pour violoncelle et orchestre, a three-movement work that highlights the expressive range of the cello. The second piece, Les Trianons, suite pour clavecin et orchestre, is a delightful suite for harpsichord and orchestra, showcasing the intricate interplay between the soloist and the ensemble. The Sonate en ut# pour saxophone (ou alto) et orchestre is a four-movement work that offers a unique blend of the saxophone or alto with the orchestra, demonstrating Decruck's innovative approach to instrumentation. The album concludes with Les clochers de Vienne: Suite de Valses, a suite of waltzes that evokes the charm and elegance of Viennese music.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes, this album is a testament to Fernande Decruck's compositional prowess and the exceptional talents of the performers. Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply looking to explore new sounds, "Concertante Works, Vol. 2" is an album that promises to engage and enchant.
