Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French classical piano music with Steven Osborne's captivating album, "French Duets - Fauré: Dolly Suite; Ravel, Debussy, Poulenc etc." Released on March 5, 2021, under the Hyperion label, this album is a delightful journey through the works of some of France's most celebrated composers.
Spanning a little over an hour, this collection features a diverse range of pieces, from the playful and whimsical to the deeply expressive. Osborne's masterful interpretations bring to life the intricate compositions of Fauré, Ravel, Debussy, and Poulenc, showcasing his technical prowess and emotional depth.
The album opens with Fauré's "Dolly Suite," a charming six-movement work originally composed for piano duet. Osborne's rendition is both delicate and dynamic, capturing the essence of each piece, from the lullaby-like "Berceuse" to the lively "Kitty-valse."
Following the "Dolly Suite," Osborne delves into Ravel's "Sonata for 4 Hands," a work that exemplifies the composer's unique blend of lyricism and rhythmic complexity. The "6 Épigraphes antiques" by Debussy are also beautifully rendered, each piece evoking a different mood and atmosphere, from the invocation of Pan to the dance of the crotale player.
The album also includes Poulenc's "3 Easy Pieces," a trio of short, lively compositions that showcase Osborne's virtuosic technique. The final piece on the album is Ravel's "Ma mère l'oye," a suite of five movements based on fairy tales. Osborne's performance is nothing short of enchanting, bringing to life the magical worlds of Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb, and the Beast.
Throughout the album, Osborne's playing is marked by a sense of intimacy and connection with the music. His interpretations are both respectful of the composers' intentions and infused with his own unique artistic vision. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Tracks
Dolly Suite, Op. 56: I. BerceuseGabriel Fauré, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Dolly Suite, Op. 56: II. Mi-a-ouGabriel Fauré, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Dolly Suite, Op. 56: III. Le jardin de DollyGabriel Fauré, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Dolly Suite, Op. 56: IV. Kitty-valseGabriel Fauré, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Dolly Suite, Op. 56: V. TendresseGabriel Fauré, Steven Osborne, Paul Lewis
Dolly Suite, Op. 56: VI. Le pas espagnolGabriel Fauré, Steven Osborne, Paul Lewis
Sonata for 4 Hands, FP 8: I Prélude. ModéréFrancis Poulenc, Steven Osborne, Paul Lewis
Sonata for 4 Hands, FP 8: II. Rustique. Naïf et lentFrancis Poulenc, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Sonata for 4 Hands, FP 8: III. Final. Très viteFrancis Poulenc, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
6 Épigraphes antiques, CD 139: I. Pour invoquer Pan, dieu du vent d'étéClaude Debussy, Steven Osborne, Paul Lewis
6 Épigraphes antiques, CD 139: II. Pour un tombeau sans nomClaude Debussy, Steven Osborne, Paul Lewis
6 Épigraphes antiques, CD 139: III. Pour que la nuit soit propiceClaude Debussy, Steven Osborne, Paul Lewis
6 Épigraphes antiques, CD 139: IV. Pour la danseuse aux crotalesClaude Debussy, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
6 Épigraphes antiques, CD 139: V. Pour l'égyptienneClaude Debussy, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
6 Épigraphes antiques, CD 139: VI. Pour remercier la pluie au matinClaude Debussy, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Petite Suite, CD 71a: I. En bateauClaude Debussy, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Petite Suite, CD 71a: II. CortègeClaude Debussy, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Petite Suite, CD 71a: III. MenuetClaude Debussy, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Petite Suite, CD 71a: IV. BalletClaude Debussy, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
3 Easy Pieces, K021: I. MarchIgor Stravinsky, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
3 Easy Pieces, K021: II. WaltzIgor Stravinsky, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
3 Easy Pieces, K021: III. PolkaIgor Stravinsky, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Ma mère l'oye, Suite, M. 60: I. Pavane de la Belle au bois dormantMaurice Ravel, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Ma mère l'oye, Suite, M. 60: II. Petit PoucetMaurice Ravel, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Ma mère l'oye, Suite, M. 60: III. Laideronnette, impératrice des pagodesMaurice Ravel, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Ma mère l'oye, Suite, M. 60: IV. Les entretiens de la Belle et de la BêteMaurice Ravel, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
Ma mère l'oye, Suite, M. 60: V. Le jardin féeriqueMaurice Ravel, Paul Lewis, Steven Osborne
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