Fauré Barcarolles
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Label: EMI
Magazine Review Date: 5/1987
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 55
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: 747358-2
Author: Robert Layton
Jean-Philippe Collard's record of the 13 Barcarolles dates from 1970 and was for some time available as an import on EMI Pathe Marconi/Conifer (2C 069 11328), but like the rest of his Faure never issued by EMI in this country. On CD the great French pianist has the field to himself: indeed, the current Gramophone Compact Disc Guide & Catalogue lists only one other CD of any Faure piano music since Conifer have transferred Kathryn Stott's recent anthology, to CD (CDCF138—to be reviewed later). I hope, too, that CRD will eventually do the same for Paul Crossley, whose fine LP of the Barcarolles appeared two years ago.
Collard has an intuitive grasp of and feeling for this infinitely rewarding French master and is more than equal to the shifting moods of these pieces. The recording is made in what sounds a rather small studio and the differences between the LP and CD, when put side by side are pretty marginal. Collard's ff sounds more overpowering in this confined space than it would (or does) in the concert hall. The level and balance still appear to change very slightly between the end of Barcarolle No. 6 and the beginning of No. 7, as it does on the LP. But enough of quibbles, this is glorious and subtle music, and given advocacy of this quality, reservations about the recorded sound are of secondary importance. Recommended.'
Collard has an intuitive grasp of and feeling for this infinitely rewarding French master and is more than equal to the shifting moods of these pieces. The recording is made in what sounds a rather small studio and the differences between the LP and CD, when put side by side are pretty marginal. Collard's ff sounds more overpowering in this confined space than it would (or does) in the concert hall. The level and balance still appear to change very slightly between the end of Barcarolle No. 6 and the beginning of No. 7, as it does on the LP. But enough of quibbles, this is glorious and subtle music, and given advocacy of this quality, reservations about the recorded sound are of secondary importance. Recommended.'
Fauré Barcarolles
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