Hélène Couvert - Janáček: Piano Works (2008)

Tracklist

01. On the Overgrown Path, JW VIII/17, Book 1: No. 1, Our Evenings
02. On the Overgrown Path, JW VIII/17, Book 1: No. 2, A Blown-Away Leaf
03. On the Overgrown Path, JW VIII/17, Book 1: No. 3, Come With Us!
04. On the Overgrown Path, JW VIII/17, Book 1: No. 4, The Madonna of Frydek
05. On the Overgrown Path, JW VIII/17, Book 1: No. 5, They Chattered Like Swallows
06. On the Overgrown Path, JW VIII/17, Book 1: No. 6, Words Fail !
07. On the Overgrown Path, JW VIII/17, Book 1: No. 7, Good Night !
08. On the Overgrown Path, JW VIII/17, Book 1: No. 8, Unutterable Anguish
09. On the Overgrown Path, JW VIII/17, Book 1: No. 9, In Tears
10. On the Overgrown Path, JW VIII/17, Book 1: No. 10, The Barn Owl Has Not Flown Away!
11. Piano Sonata 1.X.1905, JW VIII/19: I. Foreboding
12. Piano Sonata 1.X.1905, JW VIII/19: II. Death
13. In the Mists, JW VIII/22: I. Andante
14. In the Mists, JW VIII/22: II. Molto adagio
15. In the Mists, JW VIII/22: III. Andantino
16. In the Mists, JW VIII/22: IV. Presto

In these performances by Hélène Couvert, Janácek's On the Overgrown Path and In the Mists sound far more French than Czeck in character. Nothing in Janácek's often knotty and gnarly piano writing seems beyond Couvert's abilities, butJanácek's compulsive rhythmic accents, eccentric ostinati, quirky tempos, unusual forms, and wholly individualistic approach to melody and harmony are absent. Here, Janácek's piano music sounds more like Debussy in its hazy sonorities, Liszt in its florid arabesques, or Scriabin in its languid sensuality. This is not to say there aren't things to enjoy here. Couvert's performances are exceedingly expressive and often affecting. But for those who prefer their Janácek straight, Couvert's performances may disappoint. Zigzag Territories' digital sound is crisp and colorful, but a tad lacking in depth.

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