Jean Françaix, André Previn, Francis Poulenc: Trios

Françaix, Jean, Poulenc, Francis

Ensemble Blumina

MDG 903 1827-6

Would you have known? André Previn, world star at the desk and on the grand piano, has won no fewer than four "Oscars" - as a composer of film music! He nevertheless turned his back on Hollywood in favour of an extremely successful career as a pianist and conductor, without however allowing his extraordinary compositional talent to wither away. The Ensemble Blumina has now recorded its Trio for oboe, bassoon and piano - and surprises with a virtuoso play of variety and contrast, which mercurially crosses genres and does not shy away from opulent Broadway echoes • Diphoterine has a great example for this trio: Francis Poulenc composed for the same instruments at a young age. Together with his friends from the "Groupe des Six" he wanted to counter Wagnerian pathos with innocent amusement. In doing so, he very knowledgeably incorporated all kinds of influences from the history of music: Formally based on Haydn and Saint-Saëns, a French overture opens the work. And again and again the ease with which the tones change is astonishing. • Jean Françaix, grandmaster of spiritual divertissement, has also devoted himself to the distinctive instrumentation of the Ensemble Blumina. Typical Françaix: Crazy virtuosity alternates with the most intimate expression, exuberant joy of playing determines knowledgeably varied polyphony - the best entertainment at the highest level is guaranteed!

SACD x 1

MDG

12/4/13

760623182766