Customer Reviews

Emmanuel Pahud - Paris

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Pahud has become one of the biggest flutist around the world these days. His selections on this all-French composer disc span the gamut of the French repertory from the Ibert to the still living Dutilleux. I got this disc for two reasons 1) because there aren't too many recordings of the Dutilleux Sonatine--a contemporary flute and piano piece {The two which spring to my mind are Paula Robison and Michael Bellavance 's but there are probably 1 or 2 more out there} and 2)i was curious about Pahud's mysterious sound. Many flutist friends had told me I HAD to hear a recording of his. Let me say that it takes a lot to impress me after getting used to hearing the flute squad of the Boston Symphony--wood flute pioneer Jacques Zoon, Fenwick Smith and Elizabeth Ostling, but this Pahud's sound IS all that AND a bag of potato chips. This collection although almost exclusively from the 20th century is quite accessible, lyric (in the French style), even the 'bird' calls in Messiaen's 'Le Merle Noir' don't even come close to other ear-challenging 20th century repertory. The disc is a great sampler of the 'greatest flute hits/repertory' of the 20th century (excluding the solo flute pieces-Debussy's Syrinx or Varese's Density 21.5).

That said I have 2 cents more to add to my review of the Dutilleux Sonatine. Although I like this disc a lot, I LOVE Paula Robison's Recording of it even more (if that is possible). IT IS probably the DEFINITIVE recording of that piece. Check out her CD on the Vanguard label which has a smattering of 19th and 20th century works on it.

After attending a masterclass with Emmanuel Pahud, I bought this recording, and as he demonstrated in the classes, he is a phenomenal all-around performer. If you ever have a chance to see him live, definitely go for it. Otherwise, get a recording... or two!

This is a superb disc containing wonderful performances of thoroughly rewarding music. Sancan's sonatina, Dutilleux's sonatina and Messiaen's Le merle noir were all examination pieces for the Paris Conservatoire, but are far more than run-of-the-mill examination works. The Sancan sonatina is a major discovery; a wonderfully atmospheric, thematically memorable, very Gallic work, extremely well written for the instrument and certainly piquing one's interest in the output of a composer not exactly over-represented in the catalogue. The Dutilleux and Messiaen works are of course better known; both are early and neither can perhaps be counted as a masterpiece, but they contain obvious pointers to the composers' mature styles.

In addition the famous Poulenc sonata, an undeniable masterpiece, we also get a new version of Jolivet's striking, profoundly impressive and often recorded Chant de Linos, Ibert's affectionate but slight Aria and Milhaud's less famous but consistently attractive sonata. The playing is absolutely stunning. Most of the music here presents substantial technical challenges, which Pahud handles with aplomb. His tone is generally rather light and airy, and as a result the music acquires a certain refined clarity; but Pahud also has access to a remarkable array of colors and atmospheres, and the playing certainly does not lack muscularity or power. He is brilliantly partnered by Eric Le Sage, and the sound quality is excellent. A wonderful disc, enthusiastically recommended.

Pahud perhaps errs in beginning his disc with by far its strongest piece, Poulenc's joyously melodic 'Flute Sonata', serenely playful, influenced by Stravinsky's neo-classicism, but spiritually just as close to Mozart. The only other work here that compares is Poulenc's old 'Les Six' chum Milhaud's 'Sonatina', which has a rhythmic energy and strangeness that marks it out from its rather fey surroundings.

Three of the works are Conservatoire test pieces, and they show, Dutilleux's and Sancan's being pleasant, but samey variations on Debussy and Faure. Ibert's contributions are more original, but just as amiably forgettable. Messian's replication of bird-song, 'Le Merle Noir', is evocative and exciting, but fatiguing; Jolivet's closer just fatigues. Pahud's playing is flexible and expressive throughout, and Le Sage's quiet invention on the piano shouldn't be ignored, but this disc really only sparkles on first hearing.

Anyone who loves the flute will love this 2-disc compilation of mostly great modern French music for the flute, played by masters; some of the analog tracks serve as archives of great moments in the progress towards ideal flute recording.
Required reading for Flute Studies.

I just recieved this CD in the mail today, and I have already listened to the whole thing. Emmanuel's playing on this CD is so inspirational, romantic, and beautiful. I'm rushing to get Pahud's opera CD right now! Definetely buy this...ya know you want too. ;)

Most of the music on this disk was unknown to me, but I was glad to make its acquaintance. The performances are crisp, clean, clear and elegant; in a word, French. Having recently been in Paris I could safely make the connection to the place with this music instantly.