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Editorial Reviews
French Impressions, Joshua Bell's first recital program for Sony Classical features the Grammy Award-winning violinist and his longtime friend and recital partner, pianist Jeremy Denk, offering a passionately nuanced interpretation of works by Saint-Saens, Ravel and Franck.
When Bell and Denk performed Saint-Saens Violin Sonata No. 1 in D Minor during their 2010 recital tour, the New York Times raved "Mr. Bell and Mr. Denk gave a passionate performance…There were plenty of fireworks in the whirlwind of the concluding movement."
Says Bell, "French Impressions is the culmination of my last decade of exploration and performance with pianist Jeremy Denk, and I hope that with this recording we can affect the listener with the same joy and spiritual enrichment that these masterpieces have provided us over the years."
Repertoire: Bell's first recording of Cesar Franck's Violin Sonata in A Major allows Bell to pay homage, through his mentor Josef Gingold, to the two great artists who created this undying masterpiece. It was written 125 years ago, at the height of the French Belle Epoque, for the wedding of Franck's friend, the virtuoso Eugene Ysaye (with whom Gingold studied). In his music, Franck captured everything about the time: life, love, passion. While the Franck piece has the biggest reputation, the Saint-Saens remains one of the most exciting sonatas in the repertoire, richly sensual within a formal scheme that Beethoven would recognize. The feverish finale is guaranteed to bring the house down. Ravel's more fantastic sonata, by turns ethereal, earthy, abstract and sensual, offers a kaleidoscope of different thrills. Produced by multiple Grammy Award-winner Steven Epstein.
When Bell and Denk performed Saint-Saens Violin Sonata No. 1 in D Minor during their 2010 recital tour, the New York Times raved "Mr. Bell and Mr. Denk gave a passionate performance…There were plenty of fireworks in the whirlwind of the concluding movement."
Says Bell, "French Impressions is the culmination of my last decade of exploration and performance with pianist Jeremy Denk, and I hope that with this recording we can affect the listener with the same joy and spiritual enrichment that these masterpieces have provided us over the years."
Repertoire: Bell's first recording of Cesar Franck's Violin Sonata in A Major allows Bell to pay homage, through his mentor Josef Gingold, to the two great artists who created this undying masterpiece. It was written 125 years ago, at the height of the French Belle Epoque, for the wedding of Franck's friend, the virtuoso Eugene Ysaye (with whom Gingold studied). In his music, Franck captured everything about the time: life, love, passion. While the Franck piece has the biggest reputation, the Saint-Saens remains one of the most exciting sonatas in the repertoire, richly sensual within a formal scheme that Beethoven would recognize. The feverish finale is guaranteed to bring the house down. Ravel's more fantastic sonata, by turns ethereal, earthy, abstract and sensual, offers a kaleidoscope of different thrills. Produced by multiple Grammy Award-winner Steven Epstein.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Both Joshua Bell, violin, and Jeremy Denk, piano, are enjoying brilliant careers in solo recitals and with orchestras and chamber ensembles around the world. Their relationship began in 2004 when they first joined mind and hands for making music. Now seven years later they continue to perform together whenever their busy careers allow. This recording captures three of heir favorite and most frequently performed works. All three are from the French Impressionists (actually Cesar Franck is from Belgium, but spent most of his creative live in France): Camille Saint-Saëns Sonata No. 1, Cesar Franck Violin Sonata in A Major, and Maurice Ravel Sonata for Violin and Piano.
To say that the beauty of their sound is the epitome of violin and piano music making is redundant. The degree of interplay and communication gives evidence of the innate musicality of both these young men is mysteriously in sync, even more so than knowing that they have performed together for so many years. As has been written regarding the liner notes of this recording , 'the fine pianist Jeremy Denk manages to encapsulate the elusiveness of French romantic music with such insight in a few sharp sentences, his words almost shape the way we listen to this superbly played disc.' Critics from England are saying 'Saint-Saëns' wistful and emotional Sonata No 1 and Ravel's bluesy, ironic sonata have a whipped, airy quality. Joshua Bell plays with fire and finesse, with Denk a powerful ally. Franck's dark-light violin sonata, mysterious, ardent and far more than the sum of its parts when played as majestically as here, forms the centerpiece of this seriously beguiling album.'
Of all the new recording issued thus far this year this CD, FRENCH IMPRESSIONS, with the combined allure of Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk, is one of the very finest. Grady Harp, January 12
To say that the beauty of their sound is the epitome of violin and piano music making is redundant. The degree of interplay and communication gives evidence of the innate musicality of both these young men is mysteriously in sync, even more so than knowing that they have performed together for so many years. As has been written regarding the liner notes of this recording , 'the fine pianist Jeremy Denk manages to encapsulate the elusiveness of French romantic music with such insight in a few sharp sentences, his words almost shape the way we listen to this superbly played disc.' Critics from England are saying 'Saint-Saëns' wistful and emotional Sonata No 1 and Ravel's bluesy, ironic sonata have a whipped, airy quality. Joshua Bell plays with fire and finesse, with Denk a powerful ally. Franck's dark-light violin sonata, mysterious, ardent and far more than the sum of its parts when played as majestically as here, forms the centerpiece of this seriously beguiling album.'
Of all the new recording issued thus far this year this CD, FRENCH IMPRESSIONS, with the combined allure of Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk, is one of the very finest. Grady Harp, January 12
18 of 20 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
JOSHUA BELL & JEREMY DENK: A WONDERFUL DUO PLAYS BEAUTIFUL MUSIC BY BRILLIANT FRENCH COMPOSERS
January 10, 2012
Format:Audio CD
Five IMPRESSIONISTIC Stars!! Classical virtuosos Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk are a superbly-paired and dynamic duo! Seven years into their musical association, this formidable duo has decided to do a grouping of pieces they have played many times in concert. These represent some of the most "profound statements" of the chosen French composers. While the more familiar and challenging César Franck Violin Sonata in A Major (especially the intense Allegretto poco mosso movement) and the well known Maurice Ravel Sonata for Violin and Piano (especially the full-tilt Perpetuum Mobile: Allegro movement) receive glorious performances by Mr. Bell and Dr. Denk, the 'best of the best' is the less familiar Camille Saint-Saëns Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in D Minor, Opus 75: a piece the duo has played "50 times or more" and the familiarity, understanding, and matched duo nuances are clearly on demonstration here (especially the thrilling Allegro Agitato, the Adagio, and perhaps best of all, the awesome Allegro molto movement). These are inspired performances by two superb musicians on a singular musical mission that receive My Highest Recommendation. Five DAZZLING Stars! (This review is based on an mp3 download. 11 tracks; Time 67:21.)
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By congwen
Format:Audio CD
After getting it yesterday afternoon, I have listened to this CD for 4 times. It's just so beautiful and intriguing that I simply can't stop listening to it. I'm totally in love with Joshua Bell's violin sound. I didn't used to care for violin music until I heard his playing. The smooth, silvery sound is incredible, and his beautiful lyrical tone makes everything he plays seem special.
Every piece in this collection is executed with absolute precision, but the sound is never clinical. The warm singing tone of Bell's Strad and the clear resonant melody from Denk's Steinway complement each other nicely. I especially like their rendition of Ravel's Sonata. From the transparent, airy opening movement, to the lovely bluesy central movement, and then to the energetic final movement, they offered a truly ear-catching performance. The Saint-Saens and Franck are also delivered excellently, with much grace and refinement. As Denk's well written liner notes pointed out, this music is about the color of sounds, and this recording really brings out the different shades of the music. In this sense, the title is not a misnomer at all - it is just like the French impressionist paintings, a celebration of the beauty of light and colors.
All in all, this wonderful recording is a real treat for the classical music lovers.
Every piece in this collection is executed with absolute precision, but the sound is never clinical. The warm singing tone of Bell's Strad and the clear resonant melody from Denk's Steinway complement each other nicely. I especially like their rendition of Ravel's Sonata. From the transparent, airy opening movement, to the lovely bluesy central movement, and then to the energetic final movement, they offered a truly ear-catching performance. The Saint-Saens and Franck are also delivered excellently, with much grace and refinement. As Denk's well written liner notes pointed out, this music is about the color of sounds, and this recording really brings out the different shades of the music. In this sense, the title is not a misnomer at all - it is just like the French impressionist paintings, a celebration of the beauty of light and colors.
All in all, this wonderful recording is a real treat for the classical music lovers.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
ok
Don't care for the syle of muisc chose for this CD. I have Joshua Bell playing Vivaldi and I love it.
Published 1 month ago by Dolores D. Ladd
1.0 out of 5 stars
Damaged
I am trying to return this disc! From the 10th track on it is damaged. The music up to that point was great....just a damaged disc!
Published 1 month ago by Linda Kleinbart
4.0 out of 5 stars
Joshua Bell fan
I purchased this for my husband, who is a huge fan of Joshua Bell. I thought it was all right, but I prefer some of his other CDs.
Published 2 months ago by Dianne N. Maul
5.0 out of 5 stars
My favorite
This is one of four Josh Bell CDs I have bought since his appearance with the Cleveland Orchestra. They are all great but this one is superb. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mimi
5.0 out of 5 stars
French Impressions
Joshua Bell continues to impress with his playing and sensitivity to each piece! Bell-lovers won't be disappointed!
A "must" for your Joshua Bell Collection!
A "must" for your Joshua Bell Collection!
Published 3 months ago by Jane Lindsay
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love it
When I first heard these pieces I didn't care for the cd but I've learned to appreciate the difficulty and beauty of this music.
Published 3 months ago by M
5.0 out of 5 stars
Joshua Bell is Wonderful!
I had the opportunity to hear Joshua Bell in recital last year, and he performed the Ravel Sonata that is on this recording. A wonderful performance!
Published 4 months ago by Martha A. Mattes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Joshua Bell is always amazing and Jeremy Denk is a new find.
Joshua Bell is always amazing and Jeremy Denk is a new find. This music duet engages you and lifts you up. All hours of the day night enjoy its energy!
Published 4 months ago by Donna DeLorenzo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved the album French Impressions
Dazzeling album the performance is perfection. Bell and Denk are so well matched in skill and singing tone. It is impressive what 2 artists achive!
Published 5 months ago by Lindsey M Oliver
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not for me!
Really did not care for this album - too impressionistic for me. Wish I did not purchase; should have found a sample.
Published 6 months ago by Sandra Norden
