Customer Reviews

Chausson: Concert for Violin, Piano and String Quartet

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Chausson is one of those composers--it seems to be a trait especially common among the French--who produced relatively little (think Durufle, for another great example), but who produced nothing that isn't exquisite. And, in Chausson's case, the music seems to have been fully mature from day one. If I could pick only one writer of chamber music to take with me to a desert island, it would be Chausson. Hour after hour, listening after listening, it never grows old. This particular recording is wonderful. I also highly recommend the the recording of the Poème, Trio, and other pieces by Graffin, Devoyon et al. on the Hyperion label. Chausson also wrote some lovely Lieder you may want to check out. There's a good recording of these by Natalie Stutzman.

If I was forced at gunpoint to name one musical work that I could call my favorite above all others, I'd have to say this Chausson Concert in D (not without a great amount of apology to Gustav Mahler). I'm both surprised and glad that this piece isn't extremely well-known because at least it isn't hackneyed - I like to think that the best stuff is the stuff you have to search out and look for. The Concert is a magnificent chamber work, stretching over 40 minutes in this edition yet completely coherent and flowing throughout, and never ceasing to move the emotions and soul of the listener. The first movement is superb and calming, with a melody as memorable as any I have heard, and the second is a delightful little ditty. The piece turns toward darker horizons in the third movement, which is one of the most poignant examples of pure soul-bearing, wailing despair I have ever heard, and the fourth is a heroic journey back to eventual light and a magnificent ending. The names Perlman and Bolet on this CD would indicate that the performance would be nothing if not excellent, and indeed it is - expansive, deep, and letting the music reach its full potential. I would HIGHLY recommend this CD to any chamber music fan.

The Concert for Violin, Piano and String Quartet has to be counted among Chausson's best works, and in my opinion it is one of the best and most often overlooked pieces in all chamber music. The first two movements, Decide and Sicilienne, are smooth and delightful. In the third part, Grave, the mood turns more melancholy, and the Concert ends with the powerful, resonant Tres Anime. Perlman and Bolet are impeccable as soloists, and they are ably backed by the famous Juilliard Quartet. A great piece of music and a great performance by world class virtuosos -- what else could you possibly want.

How in the world did this gorgeous work slide under the radar? Bolet, Perlman and the Julliard at their best. Just buy it.

The Chausson work is incredibly evocative,very deep and so much feeling. It is new to me,and therefore quite exciting to listen to.I think it will be one I listen to very often. The melding of the Julliard Quartet,Bolet and Perlman is the perfect storm of classical performers.

I know Chausson fairly well,and have other works by him,but every once in a while,as with this piece,something new and wonderful is discovered.

This Concert is mesmerizing. Check it out. Who wouldn't want to be mesmerized,anyway??