Jean Cras (1879 - 1932)

[Roasted Swan]

As an aside - what happened to Timpani as a label and their catalogue?  So many fine recordings or interesting/rare music usually well played and recorded.  Its a shame another company have not been able to licence these......

[kyjo]

As an aside - what happened to Timpani as a label and their catalogue?  So many fine recordings or interesting/rare music usually well played and recorded.  Its a shame another company have not been able to licence these......

Unfortunately, Timpani seems to be defunct. According to Wikipedia, "In 2018, the label slipped into insolvency, and their website went up for sale." A real shame, and I agree that they performed an invaluable service for neglected French and Belgian music. I'm sure many of their recordings are out of print by now, but fortunately the majority of them are available on Spotify.

[KevinP]

I'm not big on non-physical music releases, but when the discs are OOP but the music is available as downloads, I'll go for it. Signed up for Presto Music and got three volumes to start with: Timpani's orchestral works; flute, harp and trio; and orchestral songs sets.

[KevinP]

Barring any future discoveries, have all his works been recorded?

I have two more Timpani releases to go to complete my collection (the non-orchestral songs and the family volume) and will likely buy at least some of the other labels' releases.

[Mandryka]

Indeed, a substantial and very accomplished song cycle, with an excellent choice of poems by three great authors (Louis Aragon x2, Jules Supervielle, and Paul Éluard). Quite fantastic! Thanks for bringing it to our attention, Mandryka! Despite the different sources of text, and the diversity of tone between the songs, a very coherent work, in its reflection of desperate (i.e. beaten and defeated) France in 1943.

On the same label I just found another magnificent cycle from Jean Cras - the 5 Roubayats, singer is Lionele Peintre and pianist is AlIn Jacquon.

[ritter]

On the same label I just found another magnificent cycle from Jean Cras - the 5 Roubayats, singer is Lionele Peintre and pianist is AlIn Jacquon.

I might have that disc at home (will check this evening), but I've never been very impressed by Cras' music (perhaps it's time to revisit it).

[Mandryka]

I might have that disc at home (will check this evening), but I've never been very impressed by Cras' music (perhaps it's time to revisit it).

It's not at the same level as the Auric, I agree. Or indeed the Ropartz I mentioned.  But I think it's worth a listen for sure.