Jean Françaix - Très Françaix (LP)

Dive into the enchanting world of Jean Françaix with "Très Françaix," a delightful collection of neoclassical and chamber music compositions that showcase the composer's unique voice and mastery of form. Released in 2014 by Oboe Classics, this album spans nearly an hour of captivating performances, featuring a variety of works that highlight Françaix's wit, elegance, and technical prowess.

The album opens with "Variations sur un thème plaisant," a playful exploration of a charming theme through nine inventive variations. This is followed by a series of works for quartet and sextet, demonstrating Françaix's skill in writing for smaller ensembles. The "Quatuor" from 1971 is a particularly notable piece, with its lively rhythms and engaging melodies. The "Sixtuor" from 1992 offers a different texture, with a rich harmonic language and a sense of drama that belies its chamber music origins.

Also included are the haunting "Elégie," a slow and reflective piece that showcases Françaix's ability to write with depth and sensitivity, and "L'heure du Berger," a suite of three movements that captures the spirit of the French countryside. Each piece on the album is performed with skill and sensitivity by Jeremy Polmear and friends, bringing Françaix's music to life in a way that is both engaging and accessible.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Jean Françaix or a newcomer to his music, "Très Françaix" is an excellent introduction to the composer's unique voice and style. With its engaging performances and diverse selection of works, this album is sure to become a favorite in any classical music lover's collection.