Search - Ravel, Decaux, Schoenberg :: Reflections

Atonality never sounded so good!

Lee Hartsfeld | Central Ohio, United States | 01/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Those interested in the origins of atonal composition need go no further than this world-class CD, which features Frederic Chiu's extraordinary interpretations of Ravel, Schoenberg, and Abel Decaux, the latter having started his journey into anti-tonal territory as early as the turn of the last century. Decaux's pieces, the four "Clairs de lune," are, in fact, the most interesting items in this distinguished set, not only because they are the earliest, but also because they demonstrate how profoundly musical minimalist composition can be. With Decaux, Satie meets Schoenberg, and the result is astonishing. Decaux's flawlessly-constructed mood pieces are worth the price of the CD many times over.The recording is one of the best examples of digital sound on disc, and pianist Chiu is nothing less than phenomenal. Not to be passed up!"

Glittering Waterfalls of Sonority

Avid Reader | Franklin, Tn | 01/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If this is not Frederic Chiu's favorite genre it should be! The CD is a presentation of three of the greatest names in the budding modern movement of music. Appropriately, the recording is arranged chronologically - Ravel to Decaux to Schonberg. The sound is clean with almost an exotic purity.Ravel's quintet is a good representatives of late 19th-century French artistic world. Individual pieces are impressionistic, layers of sound that seem to surround the listener. Of particular note is the third, "Une barque sur l'ocean" (the longest of the five) which glistens and dazzles. Decaux's quartet is more exploratory than languid and they quite logically remind one of the newly developed French organ and its music. Color is everywhere and the even organistically, the pedal stayss while waves of tone pour forth and build. In this case, the last of the four, "Clair de lune no4 (La mer)" is the standout with its dramatic sensualness.Schonberg is thought to be inaccessible by many and it must be admitted that these three pieces can't help but suggest his (in)famous 12 tone system. The works are eerie and slightly edgy. The second one (Masig) stands out with its quirky rhythms, its sense of dread and hints of cacaphony. Outstanding works for and outstanding artist. Bravo!"