Louise FARRENC (1804-1875)
Sextet, in C minor for Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn & Bassoon Op. 40 [27:26]
Trio for clarinet, cello & piano in E flat major, Op. 44 [28:14]
Trio for flute, cello & piano in E minor, Op. 45 [26:05]
Linda di Carlo (piano)
OperaEnsemble
rec. Studio “I Musicanti”, Rome, May 2016
BRILLIANT CLASSICS 95319 [27:26 + 54:30]
My knowledge of the music of the Parisian composer Louise
Farrenc is regrettably little, in fact it is limited to a symphony,
a couple of overtures and some piano music, all on two CPO discs, although
what I have heard I enjoy, this is music of style and panache, and I
have always wondered whether it would be better known if it was by Louis
rather than Louise. She was born Jeanne-Louse Dumont in to an artistic
family, with both her father and brother being renowned sculptors. She
showed early promise as a pianist, so much so that she was sent to Hummel
and Moscheles for lessons, leading to her becoming a virtuoso pianist.
She showed an aptitude for composing and was eventually to receive lessons
from Anton Reicha; although it might have been that as a woman she was
unable to attend his classes at the conservatoire and was probably therefore
a private student. The piano was her first love and most of her early
compositions were for the instrument, with some of her pieces receiving
praise from the likes of Schumann.
Farrenc composed a fair number of chamber works, thirteen or so, with all but the Nonet containing the piano. This is true of the three works included on this two CD set, with the first disc being taken up by the Sextet, in C minor, which could be said to be a work for piano and wind quintet. Here the piano is dominant; it is almost like a mini concerto for piano and winds. There is bold writing for the piano whilst the wind writing is well figured and attractive. The writing shows mastery not just of the piano but of the wind section to.
The second disc is take up with two trios with those presented here being in reality the final two of a series of four, although the previous two are for the standard piano trio makeup of violin, cello and piano. Here the balance of the instruments show no difficulty for Farrenc, with both being well crafted pieces. That being said, I find myself being drawn to the Trio for flute, cello & piano in E minor, I find it the more attractive of the two with some wonderful writing for the flute.
In all three works presented here Farrenc shows she is a dedicated follower of the Romantic Movement, her music is bold and on occasion progressive. My only problem with this set is that it seems short measure; surely with only 82 minutes of music between both discs there was time and space to include some ore of her wonderful music.
The performance is excellent from both the pianist, Linda di Carlo, who drives the music on, and the OperaEnsemble. There is a feeling of togetherness and enjoyment throughout their performance, which only enforces my call for more. The booklet documentation is good as is the recorded sound. A recording to savour and enjoy one which at this price should win Farrenc more admirers.
Stuart Sillitoe
