Chausson: Chanson perpétuelle, Op. 37 & Concert, Op. 21

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of late Romantic chamber music with Ernest Chausson's "Chanson perpétuelle, Op. 37 & Concert, Op. 21." This captivating album, released in 1968 under the Warner Classics label, showcases the exquisite compositions of Ernest Chausson, performed by a stellar ensemble of musicians.

The album opens with "Chanson perpétuelle, Op. 37," a mesmerizing piece for voice, piano, and string quartet, featuring the delicate vocals of Andrée Esposito. This is followed by the four-movement "Concert for Violin, Piano and String Quartet, Op. 21," with the virtuosic Christian Ferras on violin, accompanied by the skilled pianist Pierre Barbizet and the renowned Quatuor Parrenin.

Each track is a testament to Chausson's unique compositional style, blending lyrical melodies with rich harmonies. The "Concert, Op. 21" is particularly notable for its varied movements, ranging from the energetic "Décidé - Animé" to the serene "Sicilienne" and the intense "Très animé."

With a total duration of 44 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful exploration of Chausson's chamber music repertoire. It's an essential addition to any classical music collection, offering a deep dive into the beauty and complexity of late 19th-century French music.

Ernest Chausson, a prominent figure in French Romantic music, left an indelible mark on the late 19th-century musical landscape despite his tragically short life. Born into an affluent Parisian family, Chausson initially pursued law but soon turned his passion to music, studying under the esteemed Jules Massenet and César Franck at the Paris Conservatory. His compositions, though relatively few in number, are celebrated for their originality and beguiling charm. Chausson's works span various genres, including chamber music, orchestral pieces, operas, and songs, each imbued with a unique blend of Wagnerian lyricism and French harmonic finesse. Among his most notable works is the "Poème" for violin and orchestra, a piece that began as a symphonic poem but evolved into a concertante character piece. Chausson's untimely death in a bicycle accident at the age of 44 cut short a promising career, but his legacy endures, influencing future generations of composers and captivating audiences with his evocative and deeply personal music.