Chausson : Un portrait

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French Romantic composer Ernest Chausson with the captivating album "Chausson: Un portrait." Released in 2010 by Arion, this chamber music collection offers a profound exploration of Chausson's musical genius, spanning a rich duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes.

The album features a diverse range of compositions, including the hauntingly beautiful "Quatuor à cordes en ut mineur inachevé, Op. 35," performed by the acclaimed Quatuor Enesco. This piece, divided into three movements—Grave, Très calme, and Gaiement et pas trop vite—showcases Chausson's ability to evoke deep emotion and intricate musical narratives.

Additionally, the album includes the "Quatuor en la majeur pour piano, violon, alto, violoncelle, Op. 30," a four-movement work that highlights Chausson's mastery of form and expression. The movements, titled Premier mouvement animé, Deuxième mouvement très calme, Troisième mouvement simple et sans hâte, and Quatrième mouvement animé, offer a dynamic journey through varying tempos and moods.

Complementing these string quartets is the "Pièce en ut majeur, Op. 39," a standalone piece that adds a unique dimension to the album. Each composition is a testament to Chausson's lyrical elegance and harmonic sophistication, making this album a treasure trove for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Ernest Chausson, born Amédée-Ernest Chausson on January 20, 1855, and passing away on June 10, 1899, was a pivotal figure in the French Romantic music scene. His works, such as the renowned "Poème de l'amour et de la mer, Op. 19," have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. This album, "Chausson: Un portrait," is a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy, capturing the essence of his artistic vision and offering a glimpse into his profound musical contributions.

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.