Catherine Collard - Les jeunes années (LP)

Catherine Collard's "Les jeunes années" is a captivating journey through the world of classical piano, released on September 1, 1998, under the label INA Mémoire vive. This album is a testament to Collard's virtuosity and her deep connection with the piano repertoire, spanning a diverse range of compositions that showcase her technical prowess and artistic sensitivity.

The album opens with Bach's "Prélude & fugue en la mineur, BWV 543," demonstrating Collard's ability to navigate the intricate contrapuntal textures of Bach's music with precision and clarity. The program continues with works by Webern, Debussy, and Messiaen, each piece chosen to highlight different facets of Collard's interpretive skills. From the delicate subtleties of Debussy's "Jeux d'eau" to the complex rhythms of Messiaen's "Vingt regards sur l'enfant Jesus," Collard's playing is both expressive and meticulous.

Collard's rendition of Messiaen's "Regard de l'Onction terrible" is particularly noteworthy, capturing the piece's intense spiritual and emotional depth. The album also includes a selection from Bach's "Well-Tempered Clavier," showcasing Collard's ability to bring fresh insights to familiar works.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, "Les jeunes années" offers a substantial and rewarding listening experience. Catherine Collard's masterful performances make this album a standout in the classical piano repertoire, appealing to both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre.