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Track Listings
| 1. Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in D minor, Op. 75; Allegro agitato |
| 2. Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in D minor, Op. 75; Adagio |
| 3. Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in D minor, Op. 75; Allegretto moderato |
| 4. Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in D minor, Op. 75; Allegro molto |
| 5. Violin Sonata in A Major (1886); Allegretto ben moderato |
| 6. Violin Sonata in A Major (1886); Allegro |
| 7. Violin Sonata in A Major (1886); Recitativo - Fantasia: ben moderato - molto lento |
| 8. Violin Sonata in A Major (1886); Allegretto poco mosso |
| 9. Sonata for Violin and Piano (1927); Allegretto |
| 10. Sonata for Violin and Piano (1927); Blues: Moderato |
| 11. Sonata for Violin and Piano (1927); Perpetuum Mobile: Allegro |
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. 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."
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 31 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
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful
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.)
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
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
Joshua Bell and the French School of Violin
During his career Joshua Bell has covered the range of European violin music from Russia to the U.S., including our folk traditions. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ronald B. Ein
Absolutely beautiful!!
This new cd is wonderful as are all of Joshua Bell's music! He is spectacular and Jeremy Denk is exceptional on the piano! Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mary Lopez
So very passionate and effervescent
Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk play the violin sonatas by Saint-Saens (#1 in D minor), Franck and Ravel (really Ravel's second-- the 1st is in one movement and it was published after... Read more
Published 3 months ago by GEORGE RANNIE
What's with the Black Hair Dye?
I am sorry, but the cover art for this CD is one of the strangest I have ever seen. It does not make me want to rush out and buy this music at all. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Enrique Sanchez
Not for Me
The talent of both Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk is unquestionable, the sum of the parts is definitely greater than the whole and that is saying a great deal for two men of their... Read more
Published 4 months ago by amrcrg
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