Bataclan - Dandy (2011) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Tango Habanera, "Youkali" (Arr. M. Lussier)
02. Por una cabeza (Arr. D. Plante)
03. Jalousie (Jealousy) [Arr. A. Rozankovic]
04. Les feuilles mortes (Autumn Leaves) [Arr. M. Lussier]
05. El esquinazo (Arr. D. Plante)
06. Jazz Suite No. 2: VI. Waltz No. 2 (Arr. M. Lussier)
07. Tales for Oscar Wilde: The Nightingale and the Rose
08. Tales for Oscar Wilde: A Remarkable Rocket
09. Tales for Oscar Wilde: The Selfish Giant
10. Tico tico no fuba (Arr. A. Rozankovic)
11. Suite Edward and Wallis: The Fandango
12. Suite Edward and Wallis: Abdication's Romance
13. Suite Edward and Wallis: Wallis' Banjo Song
14. Kleine Dreigroschenmusik: VI. Tango-Ballade (Arr. M. Lussier)
15. Gavotte, "Happy Hours"
16. Tales for Oscar Wilde: The Devoted Friend
17. Tales for Oscar Wilde: The Happy Prince
18. Astorias



Canadian trio Bataclan is certainly one of the most strangely constituted chamber music groups around; it's made up of bandoneon, bassoon, and harpsichord. But as Dandy, the group's second album, amply testifies, strangeness is not by any means necessarily a bad thing, and there's such of genius in this unique combination of timbres that it's hard not to ask: why didn't anyone think of this before? Especially in this repertoire of sultry tangos, waltzes, and cabaret-inspired music these instruments sound fabulous and absolutely natural together. There is nothing fancy or complex about the arrangements, and their straightforwardness is a big part of their charm. The spirits of Weill and/or Piazzolla hover over much of the music, most of which is simultaneously bittersweet, poignant, and light. About half of the album is devoted to original pieces by bassoonist Mathieu Lussier and bandoneon player Denis Plante, and they are successful in evoking the fin-de-siècle melancholy of the more traditional works. The ensemble, which also includes harpsichordist Catherine Perrin, plays with sly panache, top-notch musicianship, and they are obviously having the time of their lives. The sound is clean, immediate, and detailed.

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