Bartók: Élégies, Sz. 41 - Hindemith: Les quatre tempéraments

Dive into the world of classical piano mastery with Samson François' captivating album, "Bartók: Élégies, Sz. 41 - Hindemith: Les quatre tempéraments." Released on October 9, 2020, under the prestigious Warner Classics label, this album is a testament to François' extraordinary skill and interpretive depth. The album features a compelling selection of works by two of the 20th century's most influential composers, Béla Bartók and Paul Hindemith.

The album opens with Bartók's "2 Elegies, Op. 8b, Sz. 41," a pair of deeply expressive pieces that showcase François' ability to convey profound sentiment through his playing. The first elegy, marked "Grave," sets a somber tone, while the second, "Molto adagio," offers a sense of quiet reflection.

The second half of the album is dedicated to Hindemith's "Theme and Variations for Piano and Strings 'The Four Temperaments.'" This work is a brilliant exploration of the four classical temperaments—melancholic, sanguine, phlegmatic, and choleric—each variation offering a unique character study. François' performance is both technically virtuosic and deeply nuanced, bringing out the distinctive qualities of each temperament.

With a total duration of 46 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful journey through some of the most significant works in the classical piano repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Samson François' artistry and the rich musical content of this album are sure to captivate and inspire.