Bornkamp & Friends Play Henri Sauguet

Album Description

Bornkamp & Friends Play Henri Sauguet is a captivating chamber music album set to release on May 3, 2024, under the Genuin label. This album showcases the exquisite compositions of Henri Sauguet, masterfully performed by the renowned saxophonist Arno Bornkamp, accompanied by Leo Van Doeselaar and jongNBE. Spanning a duration of 60 minutes, the album features 14 tracks that blend classical elegance with the rich, resonant tones of the saxophone.

The album opens with "Une fleur," followed by the three-movement "Sonatine bucolique," which includes "Eglogue," "Chanson champêtre," and "Rondeau pastoral." These pieces are beautifully arranged for saxophone and piano by Sebastiaan Cooman, offering a pastoral and lyrical journey. The "Ballade" and "Cantilène pastorale," also arranged by Cooman, further highlight the expressive range of the saxophone.

The "Alentours saxophoniques" suite, consisting of four movements—"Tempo di marcia allegro," "Allegretto," "Allegro scherzando," and "Tempo de valse lento"—showcases the dynamic versatility of the saxophone, from lively marches to delicate waltzes. The album concludes with the solemn and reflective "Prière nuptiale," "Non morietur in aeternum" (arranged for saxophone and organ), and "Oraisons," providing a deeply moving finale.

This album is a testament to the enduring appeal of Sauguet's compositions and the virtuosity of Arno Bornkamp and his collaborators. Whether you're a classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Bornkamp & Friends Play Henri Sauguet promises an enriching and enjoyable listening experience.

3 mei 2024

2024 Genuin Classics

About Henri Sauguet

Henri Sauguet, born Henri-Pierre Poupard in 1901, was a French composer whose musical journey was as captivating as his compositions. Born in Bordeaux, Sauguet's passion for music was evident from a young age, despite having to work as an errand boy early in life. His love for music led him to study piano and organ, and he eventually moved to Paris with the encouragement of Darius Milhaud. There, he became one of the notable disciples of Erik Satie and was part of a group of young composers who made significant contributions to French music.

Sauguet's extensive body of work includes operas, ballets, symphonies, concertos, chamber music, choral pieces, and film scores. His compositions are celebrated for their simple charm and melodic grace, reflecting his deep appreciation for the music of Bizet, Schumann, and Debussy. Among his notable works are the ballet "Les Forains" and the opera "Les caprices de Marianne." Sauguet's collaborations with Joseph Canteloube, including collecting folk songs, further enriched his musical repertoire.

Throughout his career, Sauguet remained prolific, composing well into his later years. His music continues to be admired for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth, making him a cherished figure in the world of classical music.