Embark on a captivating journey through the world of classical piano with Alexandre Tharaud's "Le Poète du Piano," released on October 23, 2020, under Warner Classics. This exquisite collection spans three CDs, offering a comprehensive exploration of Tharaud's remarkable musical prowess and versatility. With a total of 63 tracks and a runtime of nearly four hours, the album is a testament to Tharaud's deep connection with his audience and his rare artistic intelligence.
The first CD is dedicated to solo piano pieces, featuring masterpieces from composers such as Bach, Chopin, Rameau, and Scarlatti. Tharaud's delicate touch and nuanced interpretations bring these timeless works to life, showcasing his ability to explore the full spectrum of the pianistic repertoire. From the intricate fugues of Bach to the lyrical elegance of Chopin, this disc is a feast for the ears.
The second CD shifts focus to concertos, presenting Tharaud's collaborations with orchestras in works by Bach, Mozart, Rachmaninov, and Ravel. His virtuosity and expressive depth shine through in these performances, highlighting his ability to communicate the essence of each composer's unique voice. The concertos range from the baroque elegance of Bach to the romantic intensity of Rachmaninov, offering a diverse and engaging listening experience.
The final CD is a delightful mix of shorter pieces, including works by Gershwin, Poulenc, and Debussy, as well as Tharaud's own compositions from "Corpus Volubilis." This disc showcases Tharaud's eclectic tastes and his ability to infuse each piece with his distinctive artistic vision. From the playful charm of Gershwin's "The Man I Love" to the haunting beauty of Debussy's "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune," this collection is a testament to Tharaud's versatility and creativity.
"Le Poète du Piano" is not just an album; it's an immersive experience that invites you to explore the rich tapestry of classical piano music. Whether you're a seasoned classical aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, Alexandre Tharaud's masterful performances are sure to captivate and inspire. Dive into this extraordinary collection and discover the magic of the piano through the eyes of one of today's most gifted interpreters.
Fauré: 3 Romances sans paroles, Op. 17: No. 3 in A-Flat MajorGabriel Fauré, Alexandre Tharaud
Gershwin: George Gershwin’s Songbook: VIII. The Man I LoveGeorge Gershwin, Alexandre Tharaud
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18: I. ModeratoSergei Rachmaninoff, Alexandre Tharaud, Alexander Vedernikov, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Haydn: Keyboard Concerto in D Major, Hob. XVIII:11: II. Un poco adagioJoseph Haydn, Alexandre Tharaud, Bernard Labadie, Les Violons du Roy
Haydn: Keyboard Concerto in D Major, Hob. XVIII:11: III. Rondo all'ungareseJoseph Haydn, Alexandre Tharaud, Les Violons du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Bach, JS: Keyboard Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974: II. Adagio (After Marcello's Oboe Concerto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud, Les Violins du Roy, Bernard Labadie
Ravel: Piano Concerto in G Major, M. 83: III. Presto (Live)Maurice Ravel, Alexandre Tharaud, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Poulenc: Piano Concerto in C-Sharp Minor, FP 146: I. Allegretto (Live)Francis Poulenc, Alexandre Tharaud, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488: I. Allegro (Live)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alexandre Tharaud, Peter Oundjian, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France
Mozart: Rondo for Piano and Orchestra in A Major, K. 386Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alexandre Tharaud, Bernard Labadie, Les Violons du Roy
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-Flat Major, K. 271 "Jeunehomme": III. Rondeau. PrestoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alexandre Tharaud, Bernard Labadie, Les Violons du Roy
Bach, JS: Concerto for Four Pianos in A Minor, BWV 1065: II. LargoJohann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud, Bernard Labadie, Les Violins du Roy
Bach, JS: Concerto for Four Pianos in A Minor, BWV 1065: III. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Alexandre Tharaud, Bernard Labadie, Les Violins du Roy
Abrahamsen: Left, Alone for Piano Left Hand and Orchestra: I. Very Fast (Live)Hans Abrahamsen, Alexandre Tharaud, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, Op. 6 No. 2, K. 331 "Alla Turca": III. Allegretto. Turkish MarchWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alexandre Tharaud
Debussy / Transcr. Tharaud: Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, CD 87, L. 86Claude Debussy, Alexandre Tharaud
Khachaturian: Children's Album, Book I, Op. 62: No. 1, AndantinoAram Khachaturian, Alexandre Tharaud