Debussy, Poulenc, Ravel and Francaix:
- Piano Concertos
On this CD, we hear this unique compilation of French piano concertos performed by pianist Florian Uhlig. Included in this recording are largely neglected works by Debussy, Poulenc, Ravel and Francaix.
Since 2008 Uhlig has been Artistic Director of the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival.
we get to listen to the following works:
Debussy:
- Fantasie for piano and orchestra
Françaix:
- Piano Concertino in F major
Poulenc:
- Piano Concerto
Ravel:
- Piano Concerto in G major
Performed by Florian Uhlig (piano), with the German Radio Saarbrucken-Kaiserslautern Philharmonic Orchestra, Pablo Gonzalez, conducting
This recording features a great program of largely neglected piano concertos from some famous composers active in France between 1890 and 1951. Debussy’s “Fantaisie” was created in a period of change, exploring how the piano could become a voice in the orchestra.
After the work was not played at its scheduled 1890 premiere, the Fantasie had to wait until after Debussy’s death for its first performance, and it is seldom heard in the concert hall today.
As a contrast with the late romantic Debussy work, Ravel is represented with his wonderful, bright, humorous G Major Concerto. Poulenc’s Piano Concerto is a jewel of sounds and colors, yet still stands in the shadow of his Concerto for Two Pianos. Finally, there is Jean Françaix’s Concertino, composed for a short, witty ten-minute film. Charm and wit, and all the corresponding range of moods are at Florian Uhlig’s command; the result is an entertaining and musically enjoyable CD.
The tracks on this CD are:
Claude Debussy: Fantaisie
I. Andante ma non troppo
II. Lento e molto espressivo
II. Allegro molto
Jean Francaix: Piano Concertino
I. Presto leggiero
II. Lent
III. Allegretto
IV. Rondeau: Allegretto vivo
Francis Poulenc: Piano Concerto, FP 146
I. Allegretto
II. Andante con moto
III. Rondo a la francaise (Presto Giocoso)
Maurice Ravel: Piano Concerto in G major
I. Allegramente
II. Adagio assai
III. Presto
Here are Violinist Alan Parmenter and pianist Florian Uhlig in process of recording a CD. I find their playing to be well-matched, and showing great sensitivity in the performance.
And next, here is ‘Spiegel im Spiegel’ (Mirror in the Mirror), by Arvo Part, as played by Alan Parmenter (violin), and Florian Uhlig, piano.
Tags: Debussy, Poulenc, Ravel and Francaix, Florian Uhlig, piano concerti