Tzigane

09/01/2009
Jean-Jacques Millo
Parutions (France)

Maurice Ravel’s chamber music doesn’t occupy a large part in his output, but it is at least as demanding as his other works, notably with great importance accorded to its form. François-René Tranchefort underlines this point pertinently, ‘Ravel attaches great importance to the architectural balance and to the well proportioned sections of the whole, whilst using quite often a very free cyclical principle.’ The program of the recording we’re discussing opens with the virtuoso piece Tzigane, composed in 1924. Then the Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano in G major composed between 1923 and 1927, as well as the Sonata for Violin and Cello in C major, composed in memory of Claude Debussy. Added to these are Pièce en forme de Habañera from 1907 and Two Hebrew Melodies (1914-19).

With remarkable sound that allows the technique and the sonorities of the three young artists to bloom, this CD is a beautiful surprise. The violinist Kristian Winther possesses all the requisite qualities to face Tzigane and that can be heard from the first note. By his side, cellist Michelle Wood and pianist Anthony Romaniuk offer welcome engagement in the sonatas … the musical discourse of these artists possesses the balance that the composer calls for and carries the undeniable stamp of inspiration.