Poulenc, Debussy, Ravel and Fauré: Chamber Music, Piano Music and Songs

[Mandryka]

Of complete/partial sets I've heard Thyssens-Valentin is closest to my idea how should Faure sound.

Thyssens-Valentin on Testament, such as the wonderful op 103 Preludes

Another set of historic performances that comes up on occasion are those of Germaine Thyssens-Valentine - Amazon has 3 discs of her doing Faure on the Testament label, but the price pretty much adds up to the Doyen box!

The more I listen to her the less I like her, though I prefer her in Op 103 to the Nocturnes.

Most of her stuff is out of copyright and downloadable from musique ouverte

[George]

The more I listen to her the less I like her, though I prefer her in Op 103 to the Nocturnes.

Most of her stuff is out of copyright and downloadable from musique ouverte

Yeah, I have yet to understand the acclaim for her. 

[SonicMan46]

Mandryka & George - so guys, appears that the Germaine Thyssens-Valentine recordings are not worth pursuing for me? 

Now, I've never been to that French download site but looks interesting - is it safe?  Thanks - Dave

[Mandryka]

Mandryka & George - so guys, appears that the Germaine Thyssens-Valentine recordings are not worth pursuing for me? 

Now, I've never been to that French download site but looks interesting - is it safe?  Thanks - Dave

Yes. It's safe.

I am embarrassed  to say that  l listened to Nocturne 9 from Thyssens-Valentine last night and thoroughly enjoyed it (though I liked Heidsieck's restraint just as much if not more.) The wind must have  changed direction. Download them and see what you think, SonicMan46.

[George]

Mandryka & George - so guys, appears that the Germaine Thyssens-Valentine recordings are not worth pursuing for me? 

That's a question only you can answer. For me, Collard's Brilliant Classics set is all the solo Faure I need.

[DavidW]

For me, Collard's Brilliant Classics set is all the solo Faure I need.

I don't want it, I just need it to breath, to feel I'm alive...

[George]

I don't want it, I just need it to breath, to feel I'm alive...

relax, turn around and take my hand...

[DavidW]

relax, turn around and take my hand...

jeje you're a fast one!

[SonicMan46]

Yes. It's safe.

I am embarrassed  to say that  l listened to Nocturne 9 from Thyssens-Valentine last night and thoroughly enjoyed it (though I liked Heidsieck's restraint just as much if not more.) The wind must have  changed direction. Download them and see what you think, SonicMan46.

Well, I went on my old Linux lappie and did the FLAC downloads (Rar archives) - converted to MP3 and then 'burned' a CD-R - would only work on my computers - UGH! But I've got them on FLAC for free, so not a problem - will listen soon!  Thanks for the advise!  Dave

[Herman]

Yes. It's safe.

I am embarrassed  to say that  l listened to Nocturne 9 from Thyssens-Valentine last night and thoroughly enjoyed it (though I liked Heidsieck's restraint just as much if not more.) The wind must have  changed direction. Download them and see what you think, SonicMan46.

this happens to me all the time.

[snyprrr]

Snyprrr - just finished listening to the Nash recording on CRD on my den stereo (not sure if you are listening to web snippets or on what system?) - indeed, the piano is more 'up front' and can be at times dominant but the strings are there in the mix and not really backstage; still enjoy that recording but now I am curious about the Domus one on Hyperion - might add a second performance to my collection?   

Today I got The Schubert Ensemble of London playing the Piano Quartets (formerly ASV; now Sanctuary Recs.), and i must say I think we have a Contender here! All the ardor of the Nash performance, with a different recording perspective.

As a matter of fact, this group blazes through this music, sometimes very fast, yet always surging and on top of things. The finale of Op.45 is the prime example. Compare your timings with their 8:34! This movement blazes with Romantic fervor like nothing! You can't seem to play this music too passionately.

Compared with the Nash, Roge/Ysaye, and a private label Italian group, the SEL breathe fire into these two apparent warhorses, reinvigorating my appreciation of them. I haven't heard Domus here, but a reviewer said Domus and Nash were at the opposite ends of the passion meter. If you like your Domus and want a to try a surging and passionately on fire performance, this is it.

I paid .50cents Used, but I think you can get these ASV reissues cheap still. Really, I want everyone to try this. I had a feeling about this group, as if they were an alternative to Domus (SEL also do Brahms and Mendelssohn PQ4ts), and they more than fit the bill. I would seriously consider the Brahms/Mendelssohn discs seeing as their pretty cheap too.

Get this! I'm selling the rest.

[Herman]

I'm selling the rest.

Why do that if you paid only fifty cents for the new cd?

you may enjoy them some time later.

[snyprrr]

Why do that if you paid only fifty cents for the new cd?

you may enjoy them some time later.

Binge 'n' Purge,... it's not a pretty sight! Not saying I haven't made mistakes, but, over the years, I've only bought back a very small percentage of Castaways.

I gotta tell ya tho,... seeing the price, I'd really like you to try these. Seeing your interest in this music, surely these... I was going to say 'hair raising' but I don't know if you'll shy from that... these very very 'ardent' performances should put you on your ear (for good or no). Please Please,... Is one allowed to play Faure like this?

And the recording is transparent,... usually that's the problem with the 'Competition' (whenever I'm culling Castaways)... please, look into this group!

[DieNacht]

For a highly unusual Debussy Violin Sonata:
Gitlis and Argerich -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjQJ5kpDE8U

[Mandryka]

For a highly unusual Debussy Violin Sonata:
Gitlis and Argerich -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjQJ5kpDE8U

Welcome to the forum DieNacht

Yes that's a strange and interesting performance. I know it in fact from this CD, and I play it quite often.

[asin]B000099639[/asin]

I think Ivry Gitlis is interesting, not least because of the work he did with Yoko Ono. I don't care about his gypsyness myself -- the vibrato, inaccurate intonation etc. I even have him playing a Mozart sonata and the big Bach Chaconne.

[Mandryka]

Recommendations appreciated for recordings of the Poulenc Clarinet Sonata

[snyprrr]

Recommendations appreciated for recordings of the Poulenc Clarinet Sonata

Aren't there just... too many?

I haven't gotten past the Hyperion set, though, there must be at least 10-20 solid choices, depending on whom/what you like for disc mates. Who's gonna **** that one up?

[Drasko]

Recommendations appreciated for recordings of the Poulenc Clarinet Sonata

Of several I heard clear favorite is Van Spaendonck/Tharaud on Naxos (vol.2 of Complete Chamber Music).

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[Mandryka]

Of several I heard clear favorite is Van Spaendonck/Tharaud on Naxos (vol.2 of Complete Chamber Music).

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Thanks -- that's easy to get.

I must say I am enjoying Pulenc right now -- he seems to be a majorly undervalued composer. Dialogues des Carmilites must be one of the finest twentieth century operas, There's the Concerto Champêtre too (which I only know through Gilels' recording  -- did Landowska record it?), some very fine songs (I have a nice CD of them sung by Flott, and others sung by Cuénod) a glorious a capella prayer/poem setting called La Voix Humaine, the Mouvements Perpetueles (which I only know through a wonderful old perforrmance from Gieseking.)

[George]

Thanks -- that's easy to get.

Grab the whole Naxos Poulence box set it's excellent!

I must say I am enjoying Pulenc right now -- he seems to be a majorly undervalued composer. Dialogues des Carmilites must be one of the finest twentieth century operas, There's the Concerto Champêtre too (which I only know through Gilels' recording  -- did Landowska record it?), some very fine songs (I have a nice CD of them sung by Flott, and others sung by Cuénod) a glorious a capella prayer/poem setting called La Voix Humaine, the Mouvements Perpetueles (which I only know through a wonderful old perforrmance from Gieseking.)

I olove Poulenc. His Music is like a carnival.  Tacchino is great in the solo works. He knew the composer.