Sean Shibe's 'French Classical Selections' is a masterfully curated collection of iconic French compositions, reimagined and rearranged for a diverse range of instruments. Released on 15 July 2022 via Pentatone, this extensive album spans 3 hours and 1 minute, taking the listener on a journey through the rich and varied landscape of French classical music.
From the delicate, lento melodies of Erik Satie's 'Gymnopédies', expertly arranged for guitar by Sean Shibe, to the evocative, impressionistic soundscapes of Claude Debussy's 'Préludes' and 'Pavane pour une infante défunte', this album is a testament to the enduring beauty and elegance of French classical music. The tracklist also features works by notable composers such as Maurice Ravel, Gabriel Fauré, and Olivier Messiaen, showcasing the breadth and depth of French musical heritage.
With its thoughtful selection of pieces and innovative arrangements, 'French Classical Selections' is an album that will appeal to both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre. Sean Shibe's sensitive and nuanced approach to these beloved compositions brings a fresh perspective to the music, while remaining true to the spirit of the original works. Whether you are familiar with these pieces or discovering them for the first time, this album is sure to delight and inspire, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that will linger long after the music has ended.
2022 Pentatone Music B.V.2022 See original release
Tracks
3 Gymnopédies (Arr. S. Shibe for Guitar): No. 1, Lent et douloureuxErik Satie, Sean Shibe
3 Mélodies, Op. 7: No. 1, Après un rêve (Arr. For Cello & Piano)Gabriel Fauré, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
Suite Bergamasque, L. 75: III. Clair de lune (Arr. A. de la Vega for Flute & Piano)Claude Debussy, Ana de la Vega, Paul Rivinius
Suite in A Minor, RCT 5: II. CouranteClaude Debussy, Inon Barnatan
La Courte Paille, FP 178: No. 3, La reine de coeurFrancis Poulenc, Hanna-Elisabeth Müller, Juliane Ruf, Ana de la Vega, Mari Kodama
Gnossiennes (Arr. S. Shibe for Guitar): No. 3, LentErik Satie, Sean Shibe
Première Rhapsodie, L. 116 (Version for Clarinet & Orchestra)Claude Debussy, Annelien van Wauwe, Orchestre National de Lille, Alexandre Bloche, Alexandre Bloch
Vocalise-étude en forme de Habanera, M. 51 (Arr. A. de la Vega for Flute & Piano)Maurice Ravel, Ana de la Vega, Paul Rivinius
Chanson perpétuelle, Op. 37 (Version for Mezzo-Soprano & Piano Quintet)Ernest Chausson, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
Pavane pour une infante défunte, M. 19 (Arr. S. Shibe for Guitar)Maurice Ravel, Sean Shibe
Cello Concerto "Tout un monde lointain": IV. MiroirsHenri Dutilleux, Johannes Moser, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Søndergård
Le Tombeau de Couperin, M. 68: IV. Rigaudon. Assez vif "Piere & Pascal Gaudin"Maurice Ravel, Inon Barnatan
Papillon, Op. 77Gabriel Fauré, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
Morceau de concoursGabriel Fauré, Ana de la Vega, Paul Rivinius
Pièces de clavecin, Book 2, Ordre douzième: No. 8, L'AtalanteFrançois Couperin, Inon Barnatan
Sarabande for Guitar, FP 179Francis Poulenc, Sean Shibe