César Franck; Claude Debussy - Piano Quintet; String Quartet (Marc-André Hamelin; Takács Quartet)

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Composer: César Franck; Claude Debussy

1. Franck - Piano Quintet in F minor, M. 7: 1. Molto moderato quasi lento - Allegro
2. Franck - Piano Quintet in F minor, M. 7: 2. Lento, con molto sentimento
3. Franck - Piano Quintet in F minor, M. 7: 3. Allegro non troppo ma con fuoco
4. Debussy - String Quartet in G minor, L. 91: 1. Animé et très décidé
5. Debussy - String Quartet in G minor, L. 91: 2. Assez vif et bien rythmé
6. Debussy - String Quartet in G minor, L. 91: 3. Andantino, doucement expressif
7. Debussy - String Quartet in G minor, L. 91: 4. Très modéré

Marc-André Hamelin, piano (1-3)
Takács Quartet
Edward Dusinberre, violin
Károly Schranz, violin
Geraldine Walther, viola
Andras Fejér, cello

Date: 2016
Label: Hyperion
http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/dc.asp?dc=D_CDA68061

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Review

When the seasoned artistry of the Takács Quartet blends with the thoughtful brilliance of Marc-André Hamelin, a rare alchemy occurs. Their fruitful collaboration on record goes back to a 2009 Schumann Quintet (11/09), with a Shostakovich Quintet released last year (5/15). Their new recording of Franck’s Piano Quintet, one of the glories of the 19th-century French chamber repertory, stands comparison with some of the best, including Curzon/Vienna Philharmonic, Richter/Borodin and Cortot/International (formerly EMI).

The Quartet casts down the gauntlet with an implacably assertive opening statement in the Franck, setting the stage for an Orpheus-and-the-Furies-style dialogue with the piano. It’s a compelling approach to a movement that, on occasion, can become an uncertain, diffuse prologue to the main event of the Lento and Allegro non troppo. But what begins as a dialogue between strings and piano soon becomes a discourse among five musicians, urgently argued with lacerating intensity. The cohesion brought to this emotional caldron, one feels, could only be the result of complete unity of purpose shared by five musical minds.

Embarking on the slow movement brings almost visceral relief, even knowing that the lyric narrative about to unfold is one of the saddest in the literature. Delicacy and finesse produce colours and textures as vividly beautiful as they are emotionally impactful. But as much as we might like to linger in this sensual melancholy, in less than no time we’re swept up on to the magic-carpet ride of the finale, where kinetic exhilaration fuels the kaleidoscopic flight over varied terrain. I’m not sure I’ve had another experience of this work that imparts its affective essence so authentically while keeping its architectural ingenuity and grace always in view.

To Debussy’s luminous and under-appreciated String Quartet of 1893 the Takács bring all their intelligence, skill, taste and virtuosity. While every measure of this performance affords pleasure, the pizzicato shower of the scherzo and the touching tenderness of the Andantino are special treats. Very highly recommended.

-- Patrick Rucker, Gramophone

More reviews:
MusicWeb International  RECORDING OF THE MONTH
http://www.thestrad.com/review/debussy-string-quartet-in-g-minor-op-10-franck-piano-quintet-in-f-minor-op-14/
https://www.audaud.com/franck-piano-quintet-in-f-minor-debussy-string-quartet-takacs-quartet-marc-andre-hamelin-p-hyperion/
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/may/22/franck-piano-quintet-debussy-string-quartet-takacs-marc-andre-hamelin-review
http://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/content/franck-debussy-piano-quintet-string-quartet
http://www.allmusic.com/album/franck-piano-quintet-debussy-string-quartet-mw0002937700
https://www.amazon.com/Franck-Quintet-Debussy-String-Quartet/dp/B01E0NK64C

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César Franck (10 December 1822 – 8 November 1890) was a composer, pianist, organist, and music teacher who worked in Paris during his adult life. As an organist he was particularly noted for his skill in improvisation. Franck is considered by many the greatest composer of organ music after Bach. Franck exerted a significant influence on music. He helped to renew and reinvigorate chamber music and developed the use of cyclic form. He became professor at the Paris Conservatoire in 1872, his pupils included Vincent d'Indy, Ernest Chausson, Louis Vierne, Charles Tournemire, Guillaume Lekeu and Henri Duparc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%A9sar_Franck

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Claude Debussy (22 August 1862 – 25 March 1918) was a French composer. Along with Maurice Ravel, he was one of the most prominent figures associated with Impressionist music. Debussy was among the most influential composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his use of non-traditional scales and chromaticism influenced many composers who followed. Debussy's music is noted for its sensory content and frequent usage of atonality.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Debussy

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Marc-André Hamelin (born September 5, 1961 in Montreal, Quebec) is a Canadian virtuoso pianist and composer. Hamelin is recognized worldwide for the originality and technical brilliance of his performances of the classic repertoire. He has made recordings of a wide variety of composers with the Hyperion label. He is well known for his attention to lesser-known composers especially of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century and for performing works by pianist-composers. Hamelin has also composed several works, including a set of piano études in all of the minor keys.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc-Andr%C3%A9_Hamelin

http://www.marcandrehamelin.com/

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Takács Quartet is a string quartet, founded in Hungary, and now based in Boulder, Colorado, United States. In 1975, four students at the Music Academy in Budapest, Gábor Takács-Nagy (first violin), Károly Schranz (second violin), Gábor Ormai (viola), and András Fejér (cello) formed The Takács Quartet. Current members include: Edward Dusinberre & Károly Schranz (violins), Geraldine Walther (viola), and András Fejér (cello).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tak%C3%A1cs_Quartet

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