Hommage ŕ André Mathieu

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ALAIN LEFÈVRE
SCHUBERT/RACHMANINOV

Release date: February 12, 2008
Label: Analekta
Catalog number: AN 2 9278

Schubert’s Drei Klavierstücke and Rachmaninoff’s Études tableaux Op.39: two apparently disparate works but sparkling proof of their composers’ genius, two collections all too often neglected by pianists, and two remarkable works that Alain Lefèvre has held within himself for over twenty years. The intensely lyrical and poetic works of Drei Klavierstücke are a testament to Schubert’s great maturity; and the finely crafted little symphonic poems for piano of the Études-tableaux Op. 39 are like mirrors of Rachmaninoff’s tormented soul. Lefèvre approaches each piece like a painting, a story.

Lefèvre orfèvre
“Alain Lefèvre knows what to do with Rachmaninov’s works, the Russian composer often dubbed as “the last great romantic”. They require powerful sound and virtuosity, but also the capacity to navigate between ardour and poetry. On this CD, the Montreal-based pianist offers an almost repeat performance of the recital he gave last summer at the Lanaudière Festival and exploits all the elements of his palette in these Etudes-Tableaux, portraying in turn a storm (No. 1), Moscow’s bells (No. 2) or the Big Bad Wolf’s growls threatening Little Red Riding Hood (No. 6). Lefèvre dazzles and, most of all, moves. In Schubert’s Second Impromptu in particular, he becomes a goldsmith. As it is the case for both pieces framing it, this small masterwork filled with nostalgia, anguish and melancholy serenity was composed when Schubert knew his death to be near. The last repeat of the theme, bright and heart-rending, is a moment of absolute grace.”
Véronique Robert, L’Actualité

    SERGUEÏ RACHMANINOV, NINE ÉTUDES-TABLEAUX, OP. 39
  1. No. 1 In C Minor: Allegro Agitato
  2. No. 2 In A Minor: Lento Assai
  3. No. 3 In F Sharp Major: Allegro Molto
  4. No. 4 In B Minor: Allegro Assai
  5. No. 5 In E Flat Minor: Appassionato
  6. No. 6 In A Minor: Allegro
  7. No. 7 In C Minor: Lento
  8. No. 8 In D Minor: Allegro Moderato
  9. No. 9 In D Major: Allegro Moderato

    10. FRANZ SCHUBERT, DREI KLAVIERSTÜCKE (IMPROMPTUS) D. 946
  10. No. 9 In E Flat Minor: Allegro Assai
  11. No. 10 In E Flat Major: Allegretto
  12. No. 11 In C Major: Allegro