Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of French classical music with "French School Pianists play French Concertos" by Jeanne-Marie Darre. This extraordinary collection, released on June 6, 2025, under the APR label, is a treasure trove of 36 tracks spanning a remarkable 3 hours and 43 minutes. It's not just an album; it's a historical journey through the golden age of French piano concertos, featuring rare recordings and premiere performances.
Jeanne-Marie Darre, a name synonymous with virtuosity and elegance, takes center stage alongside eleven other distinguished French-trained pianists. Together, they bring to life thirteen French works for piano and orchestra, ten of which are premiere recordings. The album is a testament to the enduring legacy of French classical music, showcasing compositions that have stood the test of time.
The tracklist is a rollercoaster of emotions and technical brilliance, featuring works like the Allegro moderato, Presto, and the captivating Piano Concerto For The Left Hand in D major. Each piece is a masterclass in composition and performance, highlighting the unique styles and interpretations of the pianists.
Recorded between 1930 and 1949, these performances capture the essence of an era, with some works played by their composers or by pianists intimately familiar with their nuances. The album is a rare opportunity to hear these pieces as they were meant to be heard, with a level of authenticity and historical significance that is truly unparalleled.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "French School Pianists play French Concertos" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. It's a celebration of French musical heritage, a showcase of pianistic prowess, and a testament to the enduring power of classical music.
2025 APR Ltd2025 APR Ltd
Tracks
I. Andante sostenutoCamille Saint-Saëns, Jeanne-Marie Darre, Paul Paray, Orchestre De L'Association Des Concerts Colonne
II. Allegro scherzandoCamille Saint-Saëns, Jeanne-Marie Darre, Paul Paray, Orchestre De L'Association Des Concerts Colonne
III. PrestoCamille Saint-Saëns, Jeanne-Marie Darre, Paul Paray, Orchestre De L'Association Des Concerts Colonne
I. Allegro moderatoCamille Saint-Saëns, Alfred Cortot, Charles Münch, Un-named Orchestra
II. Allegro vivace – Andante – AllegroCamille Saint-Saëns, Alfred Cortot, Charles Münch, Un-named Orchestra
I. Allegro AnimatoCamille Saint-Saëns, Kazuko Kusama, Hisatada Otaka, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra
II. AndanteCamille Saint-Saëns, Kazuko Kusama, Hisatada Otaka, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra
III. Molto AllegroCamille Saint-Saëns, Kazuko Kusama, Hisatada Otaka, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra
Fantaisie in A flat major, Op. 62Charles-Marie Widor, Marcelle Herrenschmidt, Charles Münch, Orchestre Philharmonique de Paris
Fantaisie Pour Piano et OrchestreAlbert Périlhou, Lucien Wurmser, Victor Gallois, Orchestre De L'Association Des Concerts Colonne
Fantaisie in G major, Op. 111Gabriel Fauré, Jean Doyen, Jean Fournet, Orchestre Lamoureux
I. ToccataFrancis Poulenc, Walther Straram, Orchestre des Concerts Straram
II. Récitatif IFrancis Poulenc, Walther Straram, Orchestre des Concerts Straram
III. RondeauFrancis Poulenc, Walther Straram, Orchestre des Concerts Straram
IV. PrestoFrancis Poulenc, Walther Straram, Orchestre des Concerts Straram
V. Récitatif IIFrancis Poulenc, Walther Straram, Orchestre des Concerts Straram
VI. AndanteFrancis Poulenc, Walther Straram, Orchestre des Concerts Straram
VII. Allegro féroceFrancis Poulenc, Walther Straram, Orchestre des Concerts Straram
VIII. ConclusionFrancis Poulenc, Walther Straram, Orchestre des Concerts Straram
II. IdylleMarguerite Roesgen-Champion, Marius-François Gaillard, Orchestre des Concerts Marius-François Gaillard
III. PassepiedMarguerite Roesgen-Champion, Marius-François Gaillard, Orchestre des Concerts Marius-François Gaillard
I. PréludeJean Françaix, Leo Borchard, Berliner Philharmoniker
II. LentJean Françaix, Leo Borchard, Berliner Philharmoniker
III. MenuetJean Françaix, Leo Borchard, Berliner Philharmoniker
IV. FinaleJean Françaix, Leo Borchard, Berliner Philharmoniker
I. VivoJean Françaix, Nadia Boulanger, Orchestre Philharmonique de Paris
II. Crotchet = 54Jean Françaix, Nadia Boulanger, Orchestre Philharmonique de Paris
III. VivoJean Françaix, Nadia Boulanger, Orchestre Philharmonique de Paris
IV. Finale: AllegroJean Françaix, Nadia Boulanger, Orchestre Philharmonique de Paris
I. Andante AssaiHenri Sauguet, Arnaud de Gontaut-Biron, Roger Desormiere, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
II. Lento, Quasi AdagioHenri Sauguet, Arnaud de Gontaut-Biron, Roger Desormiere, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
III. Allegro moltoHenri Sauguet, Arnaud de Gontaut-Biron, Roger Desormiere, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
Piano Concerto For The Left Hand in D majorMaurice Ravel, Jacques Fevrier, Charles Münch, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire
I. AllegramenteMaurice Ravel, Émile Passani, Jean Fournet, Orchestre De L'Association Des Concerts Colonne
II. Adagio assaiMaurice Ravel, Émile Passani, Jean Fournet, Orchestre De L'Association Des Concerts Colonne
III. PrestoMaurice Ravel, Émile Passani, Jean Fournet, Orchestre De L'Association Des Concerts Colonne