3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spectacular! Why have I never heard of Bonnal before?, April 29, 2004
This review is from: String Quartets 1 & 2 (Audio CD)
Based only on these 2 quartets, I would have to rank Joseph-Ermend Bonnal as one of the best composers I have never heard of. These quartets are the product of a supreme practicioner of his craft. According to the liner notes, Bonnal was held in high esteem by his peers (such as Ravel & Dukas); he was an organ student of Vierne & Tournemire, and a composition student of Faure. As an organist, Bonnal was also a deputy to Tournemire & Widor in their respective postings.
How such a gifted composer could sink into utter obscurity is totally beyond me. I am fairly well-acquainted with this period's repetoire, and had never heard of Bonnal. After hearing these quartets (he reminds me, to a degree, of Ravel & Debussy, but his own voice is clear & distinctive) I will be eagerly seeking out his symphonies and organ works --- if I can find them.
Usually, obscure composers have a reason for their obscurity. They may be competent enough, but their music just doesn't reach out and grab the listener. One cannot say that of Bonnal. These quartets are absolutely splendid!
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