Dive into the enchanting world of French piano music with Ralph van Raat's captivating album, "French Piano Rarities." Released on May 22, 2020, under the prestigious Naxos label, this collection is a treasure trove of minimalist, classical, and avant-garde compositions that showcase the versatility and brilliance of the solo piano. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, the album is a testament to Ralph van Raat's exceptional skill and musical prowess.
The tracklist is a curated selection of lesser-known yet profoundly evocative pieces, including works by renowned composers such as Erik Satie, Olivier Messiaen, and Francis Poulenc. From the delicate intricacies of "Étude retrouvée" to the rhythmic complexity of "Prélude, Toccata & Scherzo," each track offers a unique exploration of sound and emotion. The album also features excerpts from Messiaen's "Des canyons aux étoiles," providing a glimpse into the composer's awe-inspiring musical landscapes.
Ralph van Raat's interpretation of these pieces is both sensitive and dynamic, bringing out the subtle nuances and vibrant energy of each composition. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "French Piano Rarities" promises an engaging and enriching listening experience. This album is not just a collection of rare French piano works but a celebration of the piano's expressive range and the artistry of Ralph van Raat.
2020 Naxos2020 Naxos
Tracks
Étude retrouvée, L. 143aClaude Debussy, Ralph van Raat
Les soirs illuminés par l'ardeur du charbon, L. 150Claude Debussy, Ralph van Raat
Morceau de lecture à vueOlivier Messiaen, Ralph van Raat
Des canyons aux étoiles, I/51 (Version for Solo Piano) [Excerpts]: IV. Le cossyphe d'heuglinOlivier Messiaen, Ralph van Raat
Des canyons aux étoiles, I/51 (Version for Solo Piano) [Excerpts]: IX. Le moqueur polyglotteOlivier Messiaen, Ralph van Raat
La fauvette passerinetteOlivier Messiaen, Ralph van Raat
Prélude, Toccata & Scherzo: I. PréludePierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Prélude, Toccata & Scherzo: II. ToccataPierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Prélude, Toccata & Scherzo: III. ScherzoPierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Notations (Version for Solo Piano): No. 1, Fantasque - ModéréPierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Notations (Version for Solo Piano): No. 2, Très vifPierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Notations (Version for Solo Piano): No. 3, Assez lentPierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Notations (Version for Solo Piano): No. 4, RythmiquePierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Notations (Version for Solo Piano): No. 5, Doux et improviséPierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Notations (Version for Solo Piano): No. 6, RapidePierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Notations (Version for Solo Piano): No. 7, HiératiquePierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Notations (Version for Solo Piano): No. 8, Modéré jusqu'à très vifPierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Notations (Version for Solo Piano): No. 9, Lointain - CalmePierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Notations (Version for Solo Piano): No. 10, Mécanique et très secPierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Notations (Version for Solo Piano): No. 11, Scintillant, faire ressortir le chant en sauts disjointsPierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Notations (Version for Solo Piano): No. 12, Lent - Puissant et âprePierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Une page d'éphéméridePierre Boulez, Ralph van Raat
Menuet in C-Sharp Minor, M. 42Maurice Ravel, Ralph van Raat
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