Jean Francaix (1912-1997)
http://jeanfrancaix.org/
He's got a lot of cds! All I have at the moment in the Piano Concertino, a charming, and fleeting, work, and an equalling charming and fleeting Harpsichord Concerto. How about you?
He inhabits the Poulence, Milhaud, Ibert, Tailleferre,... who else is there? ???... universe. Who IS the most charming French Composer of the XX?
Quote from: snyprrr on March 26, 2012, 05:51:59 AM
He inhabits the Poulence, Milhaud, Ibert, Tailleferre,... who else is there? ???... universe. Who IS the most charming French Composer of the XX?
Ibert?
Well, if we also a bit more significance, I'd say Poulenc.
I have a couple of Francaix CDs or more, maybe, but the only one I listen to is th Flute Concertino.
Probably early last year, I went on a short buying binge of the music of Jean Francaix (1912-1997) and ended up w/ five CDs (four of these were purchased from BRO for $7 each - all Hyperion discs and just checked and all are still available, for those interested).
I really enjoy his music - charming, melodic, interesting instrument combinations, and jazzy elements at times; for starters, I would suggest the the recording w/ the Gaudier Ensemble, string and wind works that will delight - :)
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-SPZsKvZ/0/O/FrancaixGaudier.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-QqFWzvq/0/O/FrancaixUlster.jpg)
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/FrancaixHorlogedeFlor/824302397_WhcqG-S.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/FrancaixLeRoiNu/791652388_iu4Bv-S.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/FrancaixPianoOrch/677151783_no9hm-S.jpg)
He is antithesis to deep and meaningful and is the better for it. There are second rate composers who have got away with third rate music using deep and meaningful as an excuse. Listen to a real musician for a change.
Otherwise there is always the hammer >:D
Quote from: SonicMan46 on March 26, 2012, 07:25:15 AM
Probably early last year, I went on a short buying binge of the music of Jean Francaix (1912-1997) and ended up w/ five CDs (four of these were purchased from BRO for $7 each - all Hyperion discs and just checked and all are still available, for those interested).
I really enjoy his music - charming, melodic, interesting instrument combinations, and jazzy elements at times; for starters, I would suggest the the recording w/ the Gaudier Ensemble, string and wind works that will delight - :)
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-SPZsKvZ/0/O/FrancaixGaudier.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-QqFWzvq/0/O/FrancaixUlster.jpg)
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/FrancaixHorlogedeFlor/824302397_WhcqG-S.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/FrancaixLeRoiNu/791652388_iu4Bv-S.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/FrancaixPianoOrch/677151783_no9hm-S.jpg)
His Clarinet Quintet, Octet, and the
Divertissement for bassoon and strings, have all had many recordings and the first two in particular are apexes of their respective formations. Unfailingly attractive, these pieces are substantial as well. Francaix could write longer movements as well! I used to have these pieces, and would gladly make their reacquaintance.
I just listened to the piano
Concertino, and it certainly is over before you can say, Bravo!
Quote from: springrite on March 26, 2012, 05:56:25 AM
Ibert?
Well, if we also a bit more significance, I'd say Poulenc.
I have a couple of Francaix CDs or more, maybe, but the only one I listen to is th Flute Concertino.
What cd do you have that FC on?
(http://www.mdt.co.uk/public/pictures/products/standard/NI5880.jpg)
New 3 CD issue, reasonably priced. In new releases on mdt.
JEAN FRANCAIX The Music for solo piano, duo & duet
Disc 1
Scherzo 2.16
Cinq portraits de jeunes filles 12.56
Eloge de la danse 11.22
Sonate pour piano 9.29
Cinq "Bis" 9.35
Danse des Trois Arlequins 1.57
Huit Variations sur le nom de Johannes Gutenberg 7.30
Nocturne 4.23
Disc 2
Huit danses exotiques (duo) 10.36
15 portraits d'enfants d'Auguste Renoir (duet) 14.19
Trois esquisses sur les touches blanches 4.37
La Promenade d'un Musicologue Eclectique 18.43
"De la Musique avant tout chose" 8.46
Pour Jacqueline 7.27
Disc 3
Si Versailles m'était conté... 15.43
Napoléon (duet) 26.39
Scuola di Ballo (duo) 24.26
Martin Jones,
Richard McMahon, Duo
Andrian Darmer, Duet
Wow, a whole year??
bump for Ibert
Quote from: snyprrr on September 29, 2013, 06:35:15 AM
Wow, a whole year??
bump for Ibert
Well, more like 1 1/2 years - I still have the same 5 CDs - the 3-disc piano set w/ Martin Jones et al looks of interest (pic below; reviews on MusicWeb (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2012/Apr12/Francaix_piano_NI5880.htm) & Fanfare (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=776960)) - just checked BRO and not available there (still some of those single Hyperion CDs are listed) - Amazon MP has a $24 offer; $21 @ MDT at the moment - the linked reviews had some reservations? - Dave :)
(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2012/Apr12/Francaix_piano_NI5880.jpg)
Quote from: SonicMan46 on September 29, 2013, 07:37:28 AM
Well, more like 1 1/2 years - I still have the same 5 CDs - the 3-disc piano set w/ Martin Jones et al looks of interest (pic below; reviews on MusicWeb (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2012/Apr12/Francaix_piano_NI5880.htm) & Fanfare (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=776960)) - just checked BRO and not available there (still some of those single Hyperion CDs are listed) - Amazon MP has a $24 offer; $21 @ MDT at the moment - the linked reviews had some reservations? - Dave :)
(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2012/Apr12/Francaix_piano_NI5880.jpg)
Yea, that's tempting, buuut,... 3cds, hmmm,... he IS the 'lightest' French Composer.
Quote from: snyprrr on September 29, 2013, 07:14:25 PM
Yea, that's tempting, buuut,... 3cds, hmmm,... he IS the 'lightest' French Composer.
I think it's the Martin Jones and the Nimbus label, rather than the Francaix, here, that I'm being tempted by. Francaix does overcome me with a sweating jitteriness when thinking about collecting (much more so with Koechlin... as with many prolific French Composers). Francaix has an impressive Discograpy, but, as has been noted, a little Francaix goes a long way.
For example, I'm a big advocate of Thibaudet's album of French PCs, and love the little Francaix
Piano Concertino, BUT, what if I were to then go for the Piano Concerto, would I be totally disappointed? I've read too many ho-hum reviews of Francaix's MUSIC, as with the review for the Jones Complete Piano Music (was it Scott Morrison?) where the reviewer states that... again... a little Francaix goes a long way.
I haaave heard great things about the three Hyperion releases of Orchestral Works. I did have on of the Octet-Quintet-Berger cds (there are so many with the same three/four pieces) which may be his best Chamber Music.
EDIT:
I just spent some time at the Francaix WebSite. His Works List/Discography is actually less perplexing than some of his compatriots! Lets get some of it out of the way:
Ballets = Hyperion = check
Operas didn't check
Orchestral Works = Hyperion & Wergo = check
Concertante:
This is where it bogs down. A lot of the concertante works are for both Chamber and Orchestral guises, such as the ubiquitous clarinet Theme & Variations, the bassoon Div., and so forth.
I forgot about the appealing Harpsichord Concerto. I have heard the harp , guitar, flute, piano, or the two violin. The HC and the Piano Concertino are my fav so far.
String Music = REM label =check
Cello Music = REM label = check
Wind... Harp... Ensemble Music:
Here again we run into a glut. First up are plenty of discs of the 2 Wind Quintets, with the Quartet, the
Octet-Clarinet 5tet-bassoon Div.-oboe Berger lineup proliferating (see Hyperion again!).
The
Wind Quintet No.1 may be Francaix's perfect work. I had totally forgotten that as I hurried today. I think it IS a Masterpiece with a capital 'M'. Or extremely close. Either way, it surely tickles my ear! I say skip all-Francaix wind program for, perhaps the Ensemble Wein-Berlin (actually, they HAVE a good all-Francaix program from Japan) or some other good various recital.
Harp Quintets = ASV = check
Piano Trio = Wergo = check
Clarinet Trio = ubiquitous
Sax Quartets = BIS = check
Clarinet+ = EMI Sabine Meyer =check
WoodWind Trio = ubiquitous
String Trio = Collins =check
Violin Sonata = Zimmermann EMI =check
That Violin Sonata's very nicely played by Zimmermann. But, what I heard of the String Quartet didn't sizzle the ears as I had hoped. I have had the Octet/Quintet package before, wish I still did.
There are two major compilations of Francaix Chamber Music, one a controversial 3cd set, and one a 2cd set on Kontrapunkt. I remember when the Kontrapunkt came out, and I'm probably glad I didn't get it. It may all just be too much Francaix, or it may take a disciplined patience to slowly sample bits here and there.
The
Hyperion disc with the Octet may be this single best Francaix disc to start with. I would also ask you to consider that Thibaudet disc, if only for the
Francaix and Honegger Concertinos. The
Zimmermann French Recital (with Milhaud, Satie, Poulenc, and a great Auric) is also a Must Recommend. Then perhaps the
BIS sax disc, or the
EMI Sabine Meyer disc with Eddie Daniels of cute stuff. See? Francaix works well with others, but also NEEDS others for it all to gel together properly!
I haven't heard the
Wergo set, or the
Hyperion Cycle, but I hear great things about the Hyperion.
Oh, and theres:
Organ Music = some Frenchy cd all-Francaix program = check
Piano Music = Martin Jones/Nimbus Complete = double check
So, there's Francaix diluted to mercantilism! I'd say all consequential Francaix is easily available (Operas I don't know) to judiciously collect from.
Quote from: SonicMan46 on March 26, 2012, 07:25:15 AM
[....]for starters, I would suggest the the recording w/ the Gaudier Ensemble, string and wind works that will delight - :)
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-SPZsKvZ/0/O/FrancaixGaudier.jpg)
This Gaudier/Hyperion will probably be my entree, but are there any strong opinions on an alternative from the Charis Ensemble (MDG)? Same pieces as the Hyperion disc, except the MDG disc does not include the short
L'heure du berger.
[asin]B000028ALV[/asin]
This hasn't been mentioned so far:
[asin]B001QBC2LW[/asin]
Les Inestimables Chroniques Du Bon Géant Gargantua for narrator and strings is substantial 40+ minutes piece in vein of Poulenc's Babar, but I guess decent knowledge of French is required since there is no translation offered. Disc fillers are oft recorded L'Heure Du Berger and Serenade.
edit: actually not so oft recorded. L'Heure is version for piano and strings, rather than the usual winds, and Serenade is not the same one as on Hyperion one but longer piece titled Serenade BEA.
Quote from: Octave on October 09, 2013, 03:01:43 AM
This Gaudier/Hyperion will probably be my entree, but are there any strong opinions on an alternative from the Charis Ensemble (MDG)? Same pieces as the Hyperion disc, except the MDG disc does not include the short L'heure du berger.
That's because
L'heure is on another MDG disc with two Wind Quintets, which are fun, but the CD's total playing time is something like 48 minutes, so it's probably more economical to get the one Gaudier CD if that's the repertoire you want.
I lately received a CD of Jean Francaix' piano music for review, and enjoyed it very much. Unfortunately, for reasons which I'm not privy to, MusicWeb can't publish the review. While looking for a taker, might as well let you guys know that it's very enjoyable. Some homages to Couperin and the 18th century; some bluesy stuff; an encore titled "For when the crowd goes wild."
(http://www.grooves-inc.com/images/cover/091/167/fagu522s.j31)
http://www.youtube.com/v/4l9Se8dPjBw
In 1939 Françaix wrote "l'Apocalypse de saint Jean". It reminds me of both Honegger and Martin. This live recording is available on Wergo
(http://s.s-bol.com/imgbase0/imagebase/large/FC/7/9/8/6/1000004001276897.jpg)
The orchestra isn't the best in the world ...
Oratorio fantastique en trois parties pour 4 soli, choeurs mixtes et deux orchestres (1939).
I. Prologo
II. Prima parte [01:27]
III. Seconda parte [23:30]
IV. Terza parte [39:39]
Eva Lind, Soprano
Waltraud Hoffmann-Mucher, Contralto
Kurt Azesberger, Tenore
Robert Holzer, Basso.
Herbert Bolterauer, Orgel
St. Jacobi-Kantorei Göttingen
Jeunesse-Chor Linz
Göttinger Symphonieorchester diretta da Christian Simonis.
I have very few cds of Francaix but am always looking for more. They seem to be expensive. The Gaudier disc is outstanding though.
I don't understand the neglect. He's a skillful light neoclassicist with wit and charm.
Quote from: Ken B on February 20, 2014, 01:36:46 PM
I have very few cds of Francaix but am always looking for more. They seem to be expensive. The Gaudier disc is outstanding though.
I don't understand the neglect. He's a skillful light neoclassicist with wit and charm.
We all secretly wish it were 5pm in Paris and the storm had just passed leaving a glittering sunset amidst the joie d'vie!
Cross-posted from the 'Purchases' thread:
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 20, 2014, 06:37:49 PM
I just couldn't help myself any longer...I'm so addicted to the Neoclassical style:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61EaAxRx0eL._SL1050_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qg1cE5QbL.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51IZHwoCzfL.jpg) (http://cfile1.uf.tistory.com/image/22371D3A522C50EA1DBF64)
I listened to Concerto for Two Pianos on NML and was intrigued by it's admixture of Stravinskian and Poulenc-like lightness with a slow movement that contained some troubled sounding undercurrents. There's definitely more to this composer than what his 'musical image' portrays. I was also quick to dismiss Francaix as Neoclassical fluff initially but realized tonight that I was a fool, but what else is new here? ;D
Rota is good too.
I will now leave while the serialists have a conniption.
Quote from: Ken B on February 20, 2014, 06:43:48 PM
Rota is good too.
I will now leave while the serialists have a conniption.
???
Quote from: Ken B on February 20, 2014, 06:43:48 PM
Rota is good too.
I will now leave while the serialists have a conniption.
Too late, it's the 21st century. Helmut Lachenmann's favourite composer is Ennio Morricone, Michael Finnissy is a good buddy of Howard Skempton and I heard Charles Wuorinen's next opera is going to be about the life and times of Cole Porter. ;D
Quote from: Ken B on February 20, 2014, 07:10:11 PM
See John? I told ya!
:-\
Ah, but I'm not a serialist. :)
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 20, 2014, 07:22:51 PM
Ah, but I'm not a serialist. :)
Count Chocula no dount! :laugh:
This is a very cool work by Francaix:
http://www.youtube.com/v/Hf3wnzGNgcs
What I'm finding in a lot of Francaix's music that I neglected to take notice of before when I unjustly dismissed him altogether was the fact that there are some haunting moments in much of his music that makes me immediately think there are traces of someone who is longing for something, or someone, in his life. He seems to be a man with a mask on, like so many composers, it's just a matter of finding out how to remove that mask.
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 22, 2014, 06:46:12 AM
What I'm finding in a lot of Francaix's music that I neglected to take notice of before when I unjustly dismissed him altogether was the fact that there are some haunting moments in much of his music that makes me immediately think there are traces of someone who is longing for something, or someone, in his life. He seems to be a man with a mask on, like so many composers, it's just a matter of finding out how to remove that mask.
I'm unsure about the mask you speak of - I think with Francaix, what you see (hear) is what you get and that may well be the key to his charm. His music never fails to delight and there's enough of it (over 200 compositions, I think) to keep us delighted for some time! I'm new to the GMG Forum and so happy to see so many Francaix fans here (in this thread and in Current Listening). Less proselytizing I need to do! 8)
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on February 26, 2014, 05:18:56 PM
I'm unsure about the mask you speak of - I think with Francaix, what you see (hear) is what you get and that may well be the key to his charm. His music never fails to delight and there's enough of it (over 200 compositions, I think) to keep us delighted for some time! I'm new to the GMG Forum and so happy to see so many Francaix fans here (in this thread and in Current Listening). Less proselytizing I need to do! 8)
Seems to fit Rota too, since we're on the topic of proselytizing ...
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on February 26, 2014, 05:18:56 PM
I'm unsure about the mask you speak of - I think with Francaix, what you see (hear) is what you get and that may well be the key to his charm. His music never fails to delight and there's enough of it (over 200 compositions, I think) to keep us delighted for some time! I'm new to the GMG Forum and so happy to see so many Francaix fans here (in this thread and in Current Listening). Less proselytizing I need to do! 8)
I don't agree. Something could be incredibly jovial and uplifting, but could have been written during the composer's darkest hours, so this gives the music an overall bittersweetness. I think things aren't always as straightforward as we would like to think they are. Many of the best composers are masters of the veil. :)
By the way, welcome aboard! Nice to meet another Francaix fan.
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 26, 2014, 07:21:39 PM
I don't agree. Something could be incredibly jovial and uplifting, but could have been written during the composer's darkest hours, so this gives the music an overall bittersweetness. I think things aren't always as straightforward as we would like to think they are. Many of the best composers are masters of the veil. :)
By the way, welcome aboard! Nice to meet another Francaix fan.
You may be right, Mirror Image, even in a composer such as Francaix whose stated goal was to create "musique pour faire plaisir." I simply don't know enough about his life (other than reading about him in
Grove and
Ewen and CD inserts) to suggest anything 'definitive,' even were that possible! Now, your friend Francis on the other hand.... Don't you think his
Gloria rocks? (please forgive the mixed metaphor)? Which performances do you like of it?
Quote from: ZauberdrachenNr.7 on February 27, 2014, 04:17:58 AM
You may be right, Mirror Image, even in a composer such as Francaix whose stated goal was to create "musique pour faire plaisir." I simply don't know enough about his life (other than reading about him in Grove and Ewen and CD inserts) to suggest anything 'definitive,' even were that possible! Now, your friend Francis on the other hand.... Don't you think his Gloria rocks? (please forgive the mixed metaphor)? Which performances do you like of it?
My favorite performances of Poulenc's
Gloria? I really like Dutoit's a lot, but also Stephen Layton's performance on Hyperion. Thankfully, though, there are no shortages of great performances of this work.
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 28, 2014, 06:27:59 AM
My favorite performances of Poulenc's Gloria? I really like Dutoit's a lot, but also Stephen Layton's performance on Hyperion. Thankfully, though, there are no shortages of great performances of this work.
Thanks - I have the Dutoit and love it! I will look for the Layton.
The word charming was used before in this thread and it perfectly encapsulates my first encounter with Françaix, via:
https://www.youtube.com/v/t3mDBrx32rw
I love it when I stumble across music that 'clicks' with my current mood.
From charmed to enamored:
https://www.youtube.com/v/A4U1PnHOtFE
Any future generations reading this – do yourself a favor and listen to the Larghetto (12:47 (https://youtu.be/A4U1PnHOtFE?t=12m47s)).
snypsss! I cannot BELIEVE this!
Here, quick, use this: ç
Quote from: karlhenning on June 03, 2015, 03:59:11 AM
snypsss! I cannot BELIEVE this!
Here, quick, use this: ç
Searching for the topic would be even more fun after that. 0:)
Hah!
Quote from: karlhenning on June 03, 2015, 03:59:11 AM
snypççç! I cannot BELIEVE this!
Here, quick, use this: ç
FTFY
https://www.youtube.com/v/WEUvYxH4IK4
Does anybody know where this fragment stems from?
It is Damrau in very great form!
P.
Prolific composer, what what? (Telemann and Vivaldi laugh!)
Chamber music
============================================
8 bagatelles, Piano, string quartet, (1932)
Quintet Nr.1, Flute, string trio, harp, (1934)
Divertissement for Bassoon & String Quintet (1942)
Wind Quintet, (1948)
7 danses, 10 wind, (1970 [from ballet Les malheurs de Sophie])
L'heure du berger, 8 wind, Piano, (1947)
"A huit" Octet, Clarinet, Bassoon, horn, string quintet, (1972)
9 pièces caractéristiques, 10 wind, (1973)
Aubade, 12 Cello, (1975)
Quasi improvisando, 11 wind, (1975)
Quintet, Clarinet, string quartet, (1977)
11 Violariations sur un thème de Haydn, doublebass, 9 wind, (1982)
Wind Quintet Nr.2 (1987)
Elégie, 11 wind, (1990)
Sextet, wind, (1991)
Pour remercier l'auditoire, Flute, Clarinet, horn, Violin, Cello, Piano, (1994
Quartet, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, (1933)
String Trio, (1933)
Sonatine, Violin, Piano, (1934)
String Quartet, (1938)
Petit quatuor, sax quartet, (1935)
Mouvement perpétuel, Cello, Piano, (1944)
Divertissement, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, (1947)
Sonatine, trumpet, Piano, (1952)
Canon à l'octave, horn, Piano, (1953)
Divertimento, Flute, keyboard, (1953)
8 danses exotiques, 2 Piano, (1957)
Scuola di ballo, 2 Piano, (1966)
Quartet, English Horn, String Trio, (1971)
Trio, Flute, Cello, harp, (1972)
Duo baroque, harp, doublebass, (1980)
Trio for Violin, Cello & Piano (1986)
Notturno, 4 hn, (1987)
Colloque des deux perruches, 2 Flute, (1988)
Quintet Nr.2 for Flute, Harp, Violin, Viola, Cello (1989)
Trio, Clarinet, Viola, Piano, (1992)
Trio, Oboe, Bassoon, Piano, (1994)
Trio, Flute, Cello, Piano, (1995)
Pieces for Solo Instrument
=============================
Scherzo, Piano, (1932)
5 portraits de jeunes filles, Piano, (1936)
Eloge de la danse, Piano, (1947)
2 Pieces, gui, (1950, unpubd)
L'insectarium, harpsichord, (1953)
5 'bis', Piano, (1955)
Marche solennelle, org, (1957)
Danse des trois arlequins, Piano, (1959)
Piano Sonata, (1960)
Suite carmélite, org, (1960)
Suite, Flute, (1962)
Thème Violarié, db, (1976)
2 Pieces, harpsichord, (1977)
Suite, harp, (1978)
Tema con 8 Violariazioni, Viola, (1980)
8 Violariations sur le nom de Gutenberg, Piano, (1982)
Suite profane, organ, (1984)
Passacaille, guitar, (1985)
Promenade d'un musicologue éClarinetectique, Piano, (1987)
Nocturne, Piano, (1994
Orchestral
===========================
Piano Concertino, (1932)
Divertissement, string trio, wind, harp, doublebass, (1933)
Fantaisie, Cello, orch, (1934)
Sérénade, (1934)
Suite, Violin, orchestra, (1934)
Quadruple Concerto, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, orch, (1935)
Piano Concerto, (1936)
Musique de cour, Flute, Violin, orch, (1937)
Divertissement, Bassoon, strings, (1942)
Les bosquets de Cythère, 7 waltzes, (1946)
La douce France, (1946)
Rhapsodie, Viola, wind, (1946)
L'heure du berger, (1947)
Symphonie d'archets, (1948)
Violariations de concert, Cello, strings, (1950)
Les zigues de Mars, (1950)
Sérénade B E A, str, (1952
Si Versailles m'était conté, suite, (1953 [from film score])
Symphony, (1953)
Violin Concertino, (1954, unpubd)
Fantaisie, Cello, orch, (1955)
Au musée Grévin, (1956)
Hymne solennel, (1956)
6 grandes marches, (1957)
Divertimento, horn, orch, (1958)
Concerto, harpsichord, Flute, strings, (1959)
Divertissement, horn, orch, (1959)
L'horloge de Fluteore, Oboe, orchestra, (1959)
Le dialogue des carmélites, suite, (1960)
6 preludi, strings, (1963)
Double Piano Concerto, (1965)
Flute Concerto, (1967)
Clarinet Concerto, (1968)
Divertissement, Bassoon, strings, (1968)
Les inestimables chroniques du Grand Gargantua (F. Rabelais), speaker, strings, (1970)
Jeu poétique, harp, orch, (1970)
Violin Concerto, (1970)
Thème et Violariations, (1971)
15 portraits d'enfants d'Auguste Renoir, (1972
La ville mystérieuse, (1973)
Double-bass Concerto, (1974)
Gay Paris, Trumpet, wind, (1974)
Cassazione, 3 orchs, (1975)
Chaconne, harp, 11 strings, (1976)
Concerto grosso, wind quintet, string quintet, orch, (1976)
Violariations sur un thème plaisant, Piano, wind, (1976)
Double Harp Concerto, 11 strings, (1978)
Ouverture anacréontique, (1978)
Bassoon Concerto, (1979)
Violin Concerto, (1979)
Mozart New-Look, double-bass, wind, (1981)
Psyché (La Fontaine), narrator, orch, (1981)
Guitar Concerto, 11 strings, (1982)
Impromptu, Flute, orch, (1983)
Trombone Concerto, (1983)
Ode à la liberté, (1985)
Pavane pour un génie vint, (1987)
Concerto, 15 solo inst, orch, (1988)
Double Concerto, Flute, Clarinet, orch, (1991)
85 mesures et un da capo, (1991)
Accdn Concerto, 1993
note! - discovered from liner notes that The New Grove has a couple of errors - this may be due to publication, rather than composition, dates - will fix as I come across them
Francaix wrote so much woodwind chamber music - all charming, lively and difficult...WW 3o, WW 5tet, Divertissement for Bssn/Stgs. His music is a main staple of the woodwind repertoire.
One of my favorite Francaix works is his Serenade for Orchestra, a delicious work for chamber orchestra....as a bassoonist, it was a great pleasure, and challenge to perform this work - lovely exposed solo that ascends to high "F", then repeats later. I don't know if it is currently available on recording - but back in the '60s, Anshel Brusilow and the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra recorded a brilliant rendition of it...TMK, this great recording never made it to the CD era - too bad....that LP also contained some real gems by Ibert - Capriccio, and Suite Symphonique, plus Ravel - Tombeau de Couperin.
Quote from: Scion7 on September 09, 2016, 03:28:19 AM
Prolific composer, what what? (Telemann and Vivaldi laugh!)
Chamber music
============================================
8 bagatelles, Piano, string quartet, (1932)
Quintet, Flute, string trio, harp, (1934)
Wind Quintet, (1948)
7 danses, 10 wind, (1970 [from ballet Les malheurs de Sophie])
L'heure du berger, 8 wind, Piano, (1972)
Octet, Clarinet, Bassoon, horn, string quintet, (1972)
9 pièces caractéristiques, 10 wind, (1973)
Aubade, 12 Cello, (1975)
Quasi improvisando, 11 wind, (1975)
Quintet, Clarinet, string quartet, (1977)
11 Violariations sur un thème de Haydn, doublebass, 9 wind, (1982)
Elégie, 11 wind, (1990)
Sextet, wind, (1991)
Pour remercier l'auditoire, Flute, Clarinet, horn, Violin, Cello, Piano, (1994
Quartet, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, (1933)
String Trio, (1933)
Sonatine, Violin, Piano, (1934)
String Quartet, (1934)
Petit quatuor, sax quartet, (1935)
Mouvement perpétuel, Cello, Piano, (1944)
Divertissement, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, (1947)
Sonatine, trumpet, Piano, (1952)
Canon à l'octave, horn, Piano, (1953)
Divertimento, Flute, keyboard, (1953)
8 danses exotiques, 2 Piano, (1957)
Scuola di ballo, 2 Piano, (1966)
Quartet, English Horn, String Trio, (1971)
Trio, Flute, Cello, harp, (1972)
Duo baroque, harp, doublebass, (1980)
Notturno, 4 hn, (1987)
Colloque des deux perruches, 2 Flute, (1988)
Trio, Clarinet, Viola, Piano, (1992)
Trio, Oboe, Bassoon, Piano, (1994)
Trio, Flute, Cello, Piano, (1995)
Pieces for Solo Instrument
=============================
Scherzo, Piano, (1932)
5 portraits de jeunes filles, Piano, (1936)
Eloge de la danse, Piano, (1947)
2 Pieces, gui, (1950, unpubd)
L'insectarium, harpsichord, (1953)
5 'bis', Piano, (1955)
Marche solennelle, org, (1957)
Danse des trois arlequins, Piano, (1959)
Piano Sonata, (1960)
Suite carmélite, org, (1960)
Suite, Flute, (1962)
Thème Violarié, db, (1976)
2 Pieces, harpsichord, (1977)
Suite, harp, (1978)
Tema con 8 Violariazioni, Viola, (1980)
8 Violariations sur le nom de Gutenberg, Piano, (1982)
Suite profane, organ, (1984)
Passacaille, guitar, (1985)
Promenade d'un musicologue éClarinetectique, Piano, (1987)
Nocturne, Piano, (1994
Orchestral
===========================
Piano Concertino, (1932)
Divertissement, string trio, wind, harp, doublebass, (1933)
Fantaisie, Cello, orch, (1934)
Sérénade, (1934)
Suite, Violin, orchestra, (1934)
Quadruple Concerto, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, orch, (1935)
Piano Concerto, (1936)
Musique de cour, Flute, Violin, orch, (1937)
Divertissement, Bassoon, strings, (1942)
Les bosquets de Cythère, 7 waltzes, (1946)
La douce France, (1946)
Rhapsodie, Viola, wind, (1946)
L'heure du berger, (1947)
Symphonie d'archets, (1948)
Violariations de concert, Cello, strings, (1950)
Les zigues de Mars, (1950)
Sérénade B E A, str, (1952
Si Versailles m'était conté, suite, (1953 [from film score])
Symphony, (1953)
Violin Concertino, (1954, unpubd)
Fantaisie, Cello, orch, (1955)
Au musée Grévin, (1956)
Hymne solennel, (1956)
6 grandes marches, (1957)
Divertimento, horn, orch, (1958)
Concerto, harpsichord, Flute, strings, (1959)
Divertissement, horn, orch, (1959)
L'horloge de Fluteore, Oboe, orchestra, (1959)
Le dialogue des carmélites, suite, (1960)
6 preludi, strings, (1963)
Double Piano Concerto, (1965)
Flute Concerto, (1967)
Clarinet Concerto, (1968)
Divertissement, Bassoon, strings, (1968)
Les inestimables chroniques du Grand Gargantua (F. Rabelais), speaker, strings, (1970)
Jeu poétique, harp, orch, (1970)
Violin Concerto, (1970)
Thème et Violariations, (1971)
15 portraits d'enfants d'Auguste Renoir, (1972
La ville mystérieuse, (1973)
Double-bass Concerto, (1974)
Gay Paris, Trumpet, wind, (1974)
Cassazione, 3 orchs, (1975)
Chaconne, harp, 11 strings, (1976)
Concerto grosso, wind quintet, string quintet, orch, (1976)
Violariations sur un thème plaisant, Piano, wind, (1976)
Double Harp Concerto, 11 strings, (1978)
Ouverture anacréontique, (1978)
Bassoon Concerto, (1979)
Violin Concerto, (1979)
Mozart New-Look, double-bass, wind, (1981)
Psyché (La Fontaine), narrator, orch, (1981)
Guitar Concerto, 11 strings, (1982)
Impromptu, Flute, orch, (1983)
Trombone Concerto, (1983)
Ode à la liberté, (1985)
Pavane pour un génie vint, (1987)
Concerto, 15 solo inst, orch, (1988)
Double Concerto, Flute, Clarinet, orch, (1991)
85 mesures et un da capo, (1991)
Accdn Concerto, 1993
I'm going to my HappyPlace now :(
Thankfully, he's not the most essential Composer for me to be obsessing over right now!! ;)
While quite a bit of his output has had commercial (and amateur YT postings),
I've not been able to find any recording issued of his 1934 String Quartet?
Quote from: Scion7 on September 12, 2016, 06:29:17 AM
While quite a bit of his output has had commercial (and amateur YT postings),
I've not been able to find any recording issued of his 1934 String Quartet?
This site mentions some, but gives the date 1938
http://www.jeanfrancaix.com/index.php?option=com_items&itemid=228&Itemid=15
Civilised and urbane music of considerable charm but not without depth. There was a concertino which I liked. His music reminds me of Damase, a major discovery for me.
Quote from: Scion7 on September 12, 2016, 06:29:17 AM
While quite a bit of his output has had commercial (and amateur YT postings),
I've not been able to find any recording issued of his 1934 String Quartet?
Quatuor Parisii on CPO, I believe. Also on a double Kontrapunkt release, or a more proprietary label.
I agree with you on the outright pleasant quality found in the music of Françaix. Among other works of his, I enjoy the droll and 'creepy' L'Insectarium for harpsichord (his concerto for the same instrument is also delightful.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgln1jaXSa0
The Gallic French-defined quality of insouciance found in Françaix is a characteristic trait -- as per the individual -- shared by a number of French composers like Ibert (though Ibert's music usually has a more rugged quality and 'rougher' edges:-) and those composers known as "Les Six;" Georges Auric, Louis Durey, Arthur Honegger (Swiss-born), Darius Milhaud, Francis Poulenc, and Germaine Tailleferre.
Taillefaire's name might be better known than her works are listened to, while Auric and Louis Duray to the greater degree, are completely under the radar for many. They all wrote fine music.
Taillefaire's delightful 'Bachian' piano concerto (in which it seems she worked with one or more themes from the 3rd Brandenburg Concerto):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wm6-kcMAVk
(link is 1st and 2nd movements, 3rd movement easy find once first link is opened.)
Louis Duray, the 'ghost' of les six -- some fine music, but his outspoken politics (communism -- and likely innately inept social skills) had him at full arms-length from a more public career and acceptance.
Deux Pieces, op 7. for piano four hands. The first, an hommage to Satie, the second, Ravel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HujJn3ZI4pc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlOXSlvawAE
Deux Etudes, op. 29
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTdTXZpDH7U
I recall a nocturne for piano that I thought mighty fine, too... there are several noctures.
too, there are other chamber works up on Youtube, a sonata for flute and piano, wind trio, etc.
Georges Auric is better / best known for his ballet and film scores, also wrote chamber and concert works...
two notable scores are for Cocteau's remarkable films,
La Belle et la Bête
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKHmJ09L4tc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLKB3H-qxhE
and Orphee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLKB3H-qxhE
again, Auric composed sundry chamber works....
Trio for winds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxH0aN_MMwA
Enjoy. Best regards.
Along with Francaix, Les Six, etc. the 'bigger bundle' of the Neoclassicial composers from the early through later 20th century -- both European and American -- have given us a large body of music in the general style, each having their own way and vocabulary and having made a mark.
The expanded harmonic language of the Neoclassical, a freedom from the chordal / tonal hierarchy of the common practice era combined with a piquancy via a more or less present polytonality all make for readily accessible music that I think is more than ready to be more widely presented to contemporary audiences (keeping in mind that the entire general audience for classical are not the more replete enthusiasts that 'us who go to online classical music fora' are.) Every one of us may now pat ourselves on the back:-)
Move a bit south, and the works of Joaquin Rodrigo come to mind, again with clear and ebullient writing, and -- as someone has said, they are very pleasant and "Not Without Depth."
Here is Rodrigo's Harp concerto, which, like so much of his work, has been eclipsed by the hyper success of his guitar concerto, Concierto de Aranjuez
Concierto Serenata Para Arpa Y Orquesta - Estudiantina. Allegro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjv3troNnRk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2i0d3fRQ3M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4Tl9ULYf54
I've been listening to Françaix's L'apocalypse selon St. Jean, a "fantastic oratorio" considered by the composer to be his most important work. I would have to agree - it is unlike anything else I have heard from Jean!
https://www.youtube.com/v/4l9Se8dPjBw
Give me something uber charming...
I have grown weary of the ubiquitous Octet/Clarinet Quintet/bassoon quintet grouping... can you give me something off-brand or minor or quirky or just your fav...
Plowing through Francaix trying to find the hidden gems. So far, the Trumpet Sonatina and the Flute Sonata (not Sonatina), along with the Violin Sonatina, are my exemplary finds.
Many may not know that a lot of Francaix's more famous pieces are actually LateWorks, including the ubiquitous 'Theme and Variations' for clarinet and piano (70s) and the Clarinet Trio (90s).
Francaix's Berceuse for cello and piano is a touching little piece:
https://youtu.be/YKjBikADMuk (https://youtu.be/YKjBikADMuk)
Quote from: SonicMan46 on September 29, 2013, 07:37:28 AM
Well, more like 1 1/2 years - I still have the same 5 CDs - the 3-disc piano set w/ Martin Jones et al looks of interest (pic below; reviews on MusicWeb (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2012/Apr12/Francaix_piano_NI5880.htm) & Fanfare (http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=776960)) - just checked BRO and not available there (still some of those single Hyperion CDs are listed) - Amazon MP has a $24 offer; $21 @ MDT at the moment - the linked reviews had some reservations? - Dave :)
(http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2012/Apr12/Francaix_piano_NI5880.jpg)
Please convince to get, or not, this 3CD set of Piano Music. I'm starting to get clammy here...
Quote from: Scion7 on September 09, 2016, 03:28:19 AM
Prolific composer, what what? (Telemann and Vivaldi laugh!)
Chamber music
============================================
8 bagatelles, Piano, string quartet, (1932)
Quintet Nr.1, Flute, string trio, harp, (1934)
Divertissement for Bassoon & String Quintet (1942)
Wind Quintet, (1948)
7 danses, 10 wind, (1970 [from ballet Les malheurs de Sophie])
L'heure du berger, 8 wind, Piano, (1947)
"A huit" Octet, Clarinet, Bassoon, horn, string quintet, (1972)
9 pièces caractéristiques, 10 wind, (1973)
Aubade, 12 Cello, (1975)
Quasi improvisando, 11 wind, (1975)
Quintet, Clarinet, string quartet, (1977)
11 Violariations sur un thème de Haydn, doublebass, 9 wind, (1982)
Wind Quintet Nr.2 (1987)
Elégie, 11 wind, (1990)
Sextet, wind, (1991)
Pour remercier l'auditoire, Flute, Clarinet, horn, Violin, Cello, Piano, (1994
Quartet, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, (1933)
String Trio, (1933)
Sonatine, Violin, Piano, (1934)
String Quartet, (1938)
Petit quatuor, sax quartet, (1935)
Mouvement perpétuel, Cello, Piano, (1944)
Divertissement, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, (1947)
Sonatine, trumpet, Piano, (1952)
Canon à l'octave, horn, Piano, (1953)
Divertimento, Flute, keyboard, (1953)
8 danses exotiques, 2 Piano, (1957)
Scuola di ballo, 2 Piano, (1966)
Quartet, English Horn, String Trio, (1971)
Trio, Flute, Cello, harp, (1972)
Duo baroque, harp, doublebass, (1980)
Trio for Violin, Cello & Piano (1986)
Notturno, 4 hn, (1987)
Colloque des deux perruches, 2 Flute, (1988)
Quintet Nr.2 for Flute, Harp, Violin, Viola, Cello (1989)
Trio, Clarinet, Viola, Piano, (1992)
Trio, Oboe, Bassoon, Piano, (1994)
Trio, Flute, Cello, Piano, (1995)
Pieces for Solo Instrument
=============================
Scherzo, Piano, (1932)
5 portraits de jeunes filles, Piano, (1936)
Eloge de la danse, Piano, (1947)
2 Pieces, gui, (1950, unpubd)
L'insectarium, harpsichord, (1953)
5 'bis', Piano, (1955)
Marche solennelle, org, (1957)
Danse des trois arlequins, Piano, (1959)
Piano Sonata, (1960)
Suite carmélite, org, (1960)
Suite, Flute, (1962)
Thème Violarié, db, (1976)
2 Pieces, harpsichord, (1977)
Suite, harp, (1978)
Tema con 8 Violariazioni, Viola, (1980)
8 Violariations sur le nom de Gutenberg, Piano, (1982)
Suite profane, organ, (1984)
Passacaille, guitar, (1985)
Promenade d'un musicologue éClarinetectique, Piano, (1987)
Nocturne, Piano, (1994
Orchestral
===========================
Piano Concertino, (1932)
Divertissement, string trio, wind, harp, doublebass, (1933)
Fantaisie, Cello, orch, (1934)
Sérénade, (1934)
Suite, Violin, orchestra, (1934)
Quadruple Concerto, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, orch, (1935)
Piano Concerto, (1936)
Musique de cour, Flute, Violin, orch, (1937)
Divertissement, Bassoon, strings, (1942)
Les bosquets de Cythère, 7 waltzes, (1946)
La douce France, (1946)
Rhapsodie, Viola, wind, (1946)
L'heure du berger, (1947)
Symphonie d'archets, (1948)
Violariations de concert, Cello, strings, (1950)
Les zigues de Mars, (1950)
Sérénade B E A, str, (1952
Si Versailles m'était conté, suite, (1953 [from film score])
Symphony, (1953)
Violin Concertino, (1954, unpubd)
Fantaisie, Cello, orch, (1955)
Au musée Grévin, (1956)
Hymne solennel, (1956)
6 grandes marches, (1957)
Divertimento, horn, orch, (1958)
Concerto, harpsichord, Flute, strings, (1959)
Divertissement, horn, orch, (1959)
L'horloge de Fluteore, Oboe, orchestra, (1959)
Le dialogue des carmélites, suite, (1960)
6 preludi, strings, (1963)
Double Piano Concerto, (1965)
Flute Concerto, (1967)
Clarinet Concerto, (1968)
Divertissement, Bassoon, strings, (1968)
Les inestimables chroniques du Grand Gargantua (F. Rabelais), speaker, strings, (1970)
Jeu poétique, harp, orch, (1970)
Violin Concerto, (1970)
Thème et Violariations, (1971)
15 portraits d'enfants d'Auguste Renoir, (1972
La ville mystérieuse, (1973)
Double-bass Concerto, (1974)
Gay Paris, Trumpet, wind, (1974)
Cassazione, 3 orchs, (1975)
Chaconne, harp, 11 strings, (1976)
Concerto grosso, wind quintet, string quintet, orch, (1976)
Violariations sur un thème plaisant, Piano, wind, (1976)
Double Harp Concerto, 11 strings, (1978)
Ouverture anacréontique, (1978)
Bassoon Concerto, (1979)
Violin Concerto, (1979)
Mozart New-Look, double-bass, wind, (1981)
Psyché (La Fontaine), narrator, orch, (1981)
Guitar Concerto, 11 strings, (1982)
Impromptu, Flute, orch, (1983)
Trombone Concerto, (1983)
Ode à la liberté, (1985)
Pavane pour un génie vint, (1987)
Concerto, 15 solo inst, orch, (1988)
Double Concerto, Flute, Clarinet, orch, (1991)
85 mesures et un da capo, (1991)
Accdn Concerto, 1993
note! - discovered from liner notes that The New Grove has a couple of errors - this may be due to publication, rather than composition, dates - will fix as I come across them
under review... whew
I would consider Françaix like 'a sarcastic, malicious, noble and witty cartoonist of music'. All is hilarious in a good way.
The Trio pour oboe, basson et piano made a huge smile on my face. A short beauty that will bewitch you! When wit, sarcasm, good humour, playfulness and lyricism are all together. This is just one of his many brilliant creations by the real successor of Ravel (?)
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on July 27, 2019, 07:45:06 PM
The Trio pour oboe, basson et piano made a huge smile on my face. A short beauty that will bewitch you! When wit, sarcasm, good humour, playfulness and lyricism are all together. This is just one of his many brilliant creations by the real successor of Ravel (?)
I don't have much by him in my collection but what I have I find very engaging. I like the title of this thread very much.
:)
I have thought him lightweight.
I have only one Francaix recording, with Anja Thauer playing the cello sonata with the composer. I was shocked to discover Thauer took her own life. How can someone so talented and beautiful do that?
(https://www.popsike.com/pix/20100917/160480626997.jpg)
Quote from: vandermolen on July 28, 2019, 02:42:54 AM
I don't have much by him in my collection but what I have I find very engaging. I like the title of this thread very much.
:)
I agree, Jeffrey. His music is full of such charm and authenticity.
My Uncle, Harpsichordist: Session 001 (Jean Françaix)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJBZ73TFUm0/XXtvsJuHgGI/AAAAAAAALVk/d4ge_j86lfE_pESGmQdM0l2wXgCXh27MwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Harpsichord_600_CRYSTAL.jpg)
https://ionarts.blogspot.com/2019/09/my-uncle-harpsichordist-session-001.html (https://ionarts.blogspot.com/2019/09/my-uncle-harpsichordist-session-001.html)
JEAN FRANÇAIX (1912-1997), L'INSECTARIUM POUR CEMBALO: LA SCOLOPENDRE | DER TAUSENDFÜSSLER | THE SCOLOPENDRA (1:48
PERFORMANCE BY DETLEF GOETZ-LAURSON, 1980
TTT - over 2 years dormant! 8) Probably have not listened to Jean F. since or before that time? At the moment I have 8 CDs of his works (long list HERE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_compositions_by_Jean_Fran%C3%A7aix)) - I've re-ordered the list under GENRE and have put in BOLD the works that are on the recordings below (to help me in making further selections?) - the only 'duplicated' discs are the bottom last two of chamber works - the Claris Ensemble is shorter @ 51 mins, so I could see culling out since the Gaudiers covered the same repertoire plus one more piece for 62 1/2 mins. To date I've not bought any of his piano music, so suggestions welcome; I know that his vocal works have received some comment but I'd not be interested; however, there is MUCH interesting chamber compositions remaining, especially w/ intriguing combinations of wind instruments that would piqued my interest, so suggestions welcomed. Dave :)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51FMo4D8NML.jpg) (https://i.discogs.com/X_G8pb-Cs2ax2g5xf4bRYthaxJvaPMkdt6CjuOmGpcA/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:591/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTExNjg4/NzMwLTE1MjA2OTQ0/NDktMjk3MC5qcGVn.jpeg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51vpVrWJ29L.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Gkv7ur0vL._SL1400_.jpg)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81YS4qp6A-L._SL1082_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71YusAvqQfL._SL1400_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81WEWPk1VSL._SL1200_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61r658RfDgL.jpg)
You've certainly piqued my interest in Françaix again, Dave. I have several of the recordings you own (all four in first row to be exact), plus these two:
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81LszbzXY5L._SS500_.jpg)(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71FwmY5o05L._SL1200_.jpg)
From my own recollection, he wrote in a Neoclassical style a la Stravinsky and Poulenc and basically stuck with this style throughout his compositional career. The adjectives "delightful" and "tuneful" often pop up in reviews of his music, but I imagine there's much more to it.
Jean Français has often composed music that can be described as "perky" or "light". But there are also much deeper works, such as the Apocalypse of Saint John, a "fantastic oratorio"
Quote from: joachim on April 11, 2022, 02:48:46 AMBut there are also much deeper works, such as the Apocalypse of Saint John, a "fantastic oratorio"
Indeed! This one took me by surprise when I first heard it.