Search - Francis Poulenc, Pascal Rogé :: Poulenc: Piano Works

Enchanting

G.D. | Norway | 01/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I admit to having had mixed feelings about Poulenc's piano music. They are charming and sometimes enjoyable, but lack the sometimes depth or illusion of depth found beneath the playful surface of, say, his best chamber works. But one thing is certain; if you want to sample the piano music, there could hardly be a better opportunity than this release. Indeed, I found myself thrilled and thoroughly entertained throughout the whole disc - and in urgent need of reevaluating some of the works; the Soirees de Nazelles in particular, which mix various influences in such a masterly way and to such an immensely satisfying effect that one is reminded of the best Schumann works in quality and execution if not in terms of actual musical material (although, in fact, the comparison isn't that far fetched with respect to that parameter either). And the Novelettes are just as fine. The improvisations are slighter, perhaps, but unfailingly musical and endearing, sentimental but always in a refined manner typical of the composer. Of course, the Mouvements Perpetuels are the centerpieces here, and both these and the remaining works are so exquisitely made and so superbly handled by Pascal Roge that one is at times almost convinced that they are unqualified masterpieces.



And the quality of the disc is, indeed, just as much due to Roge as to the composer. He plays all the works with a delicacy and a stylishness that is, as far as I know, unrivalled. The sound quality is excellent as well, so this disc can be more than safely recommended."