This re-release of
the second volume of Cécile Chaminade’s
piano music is a welcome addition to
Hyperion’s Helios budget label. Following
her death in 1944, she has been widely
ignored as a composer; however, in her
lifetime she was well-known. This compilation
contains mostly salon music piano miniatures,
and reveals her to be not only a master
of the art, but also capable of much
more than the sentimentality and mere
empty gestures with which this category
of music is all too often associated.
It should not be forgotten that there
is also a good deal more to Chaminade’s
output than domestic piano music, with
a total of around 350 works spanning
a number of genres.
The most striking aspect
of this music is the depth of its imagination
– there is a broad range of mood and
styles, which here have been ordered
appropriately to provide ample variation
and balance between tracks. Sound techniques
of harmony and a keen lyricism go hand-in-hand
with the constantly successful and pleasing
domestic style. Naturally there is much
about the works presented here that
is pleasurable on the surface. However
the quality of writing and general craftsmanship
behind the majority of these works display
a skill that should not be so readily
overlooked.
A number of influences
are apparent. A strong Romantic element
is in evidence throughout. This is often
joined by delicate Impressionist characteristics,
which enhance the reflective aspects.
Of the 19 short works on this disc,
Au pays dévasté
- the longest track on this disc by
over a minute at 6:31 - provides perhaps
the greatest insight into this composer.
It was written shortly after the conclusion
of the First World War and is potently
evocative and heartfelt with a deeply
melancholy quality. In contrast a playful
mood is attained in Libellules and
the opening Arlequine, while
a gently luminous Impressionist tranquillity
is found in Consolation, Nocturne
and Élégie.
Clean, rhythmic and
eminently musical playing from Peter
Jacobs is thoroughly enhanced by a warm
and full piano sound that captures every
nuance. Informative and revealing booklet
notes are provided by Calum McDonald,
rounding off a thoroughly recommended
release. Along with its companion volumes
this disc bears repeated listening.
Adam Binks