Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French classical music with Albrecht Mayer's "Bonjour Paris." Released in 2010 under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this captivating album spans a little over an hour and features 18 tracks that showcase Mayer's virtuosity on the oboe and cor anglais. Accompanied by the renowned Academy of St Martin in the Fields and conducted by Mathias Mönius, Mayer delivers a mesmerizing performance that highlights the beauty and elegance of post-Romantic, Impressionist, and contemporary French compositions.
The album opens with Debussy's delicate "La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin" and includes other iconic pieces such as "Clair de Lune" and "Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte." Mayer's interpretation of these well-loved works is both sensitive and expressive, offering a fresh perspective on familiar melodies. The centerpiece of the album is "L'Horloge de Flore," a suite of seven movements that depict the blooming of flowers at different times of the day. Mayer's nuanced playing brings each piece to life, capturing the unique character and mood of every flower.
In addition to the French classics, the album also features works by lesser-known composers such as Vincent d'Indy and Gabriel Pierné. Mayer's skillful playing and the orchestra's rich, warm sound create an atmosphere of intimacy and warmth that is perfectly suited to the music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Bonjour Paris" is sure to delight and inspire. So sit back, relax, and let Albrecht Mayer and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields transport you to the romantic streets of Paris with this exquisite collection of French classical music.
La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin (From 24 Preludes, L. 117)Claude Debussy, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
Pavane, Op.50 (Arr. For Oboe d'amore & Orchestra)Gabriel Fauré, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
Clair de Lune, L. 75 (Arr. for Oboe and Orchestra)Claude Debussy, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
L'Horloge de Flore: 3h - Galant de jourJean Françaix, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
L'Horloge de Flore: 5h - Cupidone bleueJean Françaix, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
L'Horloge de Flore: 10h - Cierge a grandes fleursJean Françaix, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
L'Horloge de Flore: 12h - Nycanthe du MalabarJean Françaix, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
L'Horloge de Flore: 17h - Belle de nuitJean Françaix, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
L'Horloge de Flore: 19h - Geranium tristeJean Françaix, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
L'Horloge de Flore: 21h - Silene noctifloreJean Françaix, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
Trois Images Pour Hautbois et Orchestre, Op. 18: 1. EtéGotthard Odermatt, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte, M.19 (Arr. for Oboe & Orchestra)Maurice Ravel, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
SicilienneGabriel Fauré, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
Fantaisie sur des themes populaires francais, Op. 31: 1. LentVincent d'Indy, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
Fantaisie sur des themes populaires francais, Op. 31: 2. Gaiment et pas trop viteVincent d'Indy, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
Gymnopedie No. 1Erik Satie, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
A Chloris (Arr. For Cor Anglais & Orchestra)Reynaldo Hahn, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius
Gymnopedie No. 2Erik Satie, Albrecht Mayer, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Mathias Mönius