Jean-Pierre Armengaud - Albert Roussel: Piano Music, Vol. 1-2 (2013-2016)

Tracklist

Albert Roussel: Piano Music, Vol. 1
01. Sonatine, Op. 16: I. Modéré
02. Sonatine, Op. 16: II. Très lent
03. Le marchand de sable qui passe, Op. 13: I. Prélude (Version for Piano)
04. Le marchand de sable qui passe, Op. 13: II. Scène 2 (Version for Piano)
05. Le marchand de sable qui passe, Op. 13: III. Interlude et scène 4 (Version for Piano)
06. Le marchand de sable qui passe, Op. 13: IV. Scène finale (Version for Piano)
07. 3 Pièces, Op. 49: No. 1, Allegro con brio
08. 3 Pièces, Op. 49: No. 2, Allegro grazioso. Tempo di valz
09. 3 Pièces, Op. 49: No. 3, Allegro con spirito
10. Prélude and Fugue, Op. 46: I. Prélude
11. Prélude and Fugue, Op. 46: II. Fugue
12. Doute
13. Petit canon perpétuel
14. L'accueil des Muses, "In memoriam Debussy"
15. Segovia, Op. 29 (Version for Piano)
16. Conte à la poupée

Albert Roussel forged a unique musical identity in his music and remains one of the most intriguing and influential of French composers. In this first of three volumes of his complete piano music one can hear his originality as early as the Sonatine, Op 16, composed in 1912 where fantasy and atmospheric colour are prominent. Le Marchand de sable qui passe, Op 13 (The Sandman) is incidental music written for a verse play where the influence of Debussy and Wagner can sometimes be felt. Roussel’s last creative phase, represented by Trois Pièces, Op 49, reveals his incisive wit, concern for rhythmic vitality, and even jazzy turns of phrase.


Albert Roussel: Piano Music, Vol. 2

01. Résurrection, Op. 4 (Version for Piano)
02. Rustiques, Op. 5: I. Danse au bord de l'eau
03. Rustiques, Op. 5: II. Promenade sentimentale en forêt
04. Rustiques, Op. 5: III. Retour de fête
05. Suite in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 14: I. Prélude
06. Suite in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 14: II. Sicilienne
07. Suite in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 14: III. Bourrée
08. Suite in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 14: IV. Ronde
09. Fugue
10. Des heures passent, Op. 1: I. Graves et légères
11. Des heures passent, Op. 1: II. Joyeuses
12. Des heures passent, Op. 1: III. Tragiques
13. Des heures passent, Op. 1: IV. Champêtres

Though he is best known for his orchestral works, Albert Roussel wrote an important body of piano music. This second of three volumes of the complete piano works includes the composer’s own reduction of his earliest orchestral work, Résurrection, a response to the emotions engendered by Tolstoy’s last novel from which this ‘prelude’ takes its inspiration. Love of nature inspires the rhythmically inventive three Rustiques the second movement of which, Promenade sentimentale en forêt, is notable for its birdsong and rich polyphony. Roussel’s largest-scaled piano work is the Suite in F sharp minor, richly imbued with driving energy, exciting themes and fresh effects.

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