Reynaldo Hahn - Cello Music from Proust's Salons (LP)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Reynaldo Hahn's "Cello Music from Proust's Salons," a captivating collection of classical piano and cello compositions released on February 5, 2021, by BIS Records. This album is a beautiful blend of Hahn's own works and arrangements, offering a unique glimpse into the musical salons of Marcel Proust's era.

The album opens with "Variations chantantes sur un air ancien," a delightful set of variations on an ancient air, showcasing Hahn's melodic prowess. It continues with the romantic "Romance in A Major, Op. 69," and the poignant "Élégie in C Minor, Op. 24," both originally for violin and piano but here presented in their cello and piano versions. The centerpiece of the album is Hahn's "Cello Sonata No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 32," performed in its entirety, including the rarely heard original version of the third movement.

The album also features Hahn's arrangement of his own "Violin Sonata in A Major, FWV 8," adapted for cello and piano by Jules Delsart. This sonata is a journey through various moods and tempos, from the gentle "Allegretto ben moderato" to the lively "Allegro" and the introspective "Recitativo-Fantasia."

With a total duration of 1 hour and 23 minutes, "Cello Music from Proust's Salons" is a testament to Hahn's compositional skill and his ability to evoke the elegance and sophistication of a bygone era. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to enchant and delight.