Chabrier : Prince du burlesque, mélodiste raffiné

Emmanuel Chabrier, a master of French music, invites you to explore his eclectic and vibrant compositions with "Chabrier: Prince du burlesque, mélodiste raffiné." Released in 2009, this album showcases Chabrier's unique blend of wit, elegance, and musical ingenuity, spanning a diverse range of styles and moods. From the whimsical "Villanelle des petits canards" to the dramatic "Le roi malgré lui," each piece is a testament to Chabrier's virtuosity and playful spirit.

The album opens with a lively transcription of "Le roi malgré lui, Acte 3: Fête polonaise" for piano four hands, setting the tone for the delightful journey ahead. Chabrier's penchant for the burlesque is evident in tracks like "Cortège burlesque" and "Habanera," where he deftly weaves together humor and sophistication. Meanwhile, pieces like "Pastorale des cochons roses" and "L'île heureuse" reveal his tender, pastoral side, demonstrating his versatility as a composer.

"Chabrier: Prince du burlesque, mélodiste raffiné" also features several vocal works, including the enchanting "Chanson de l'alouette" and the heartfelt "Que les amants ont de peine." These pieces, along with the instrumental selections, highlight Chabrier's skill as a melodist and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions.

With a duration of just over an hour, this album is an excellent introduction to Chabrier's music, offering a captivating blend of humor, elegance, and musical brilliance. Whether you're a seasoned fan of French music or a newcomer to Chabrier's work, this collection is sure to delight and inspire.

Emmanuel Chabrier, born Alexis-Emmanuel Chabrier, was a French Romantic composer and pianist whose musical journey was as captivating as the era he lived in. Born in Ambert in 1841, Chabrier's life spanned a pivotal period in French musical history, with giants like Berlioz already making waves when he was a young man. Despite his bourgeois upbringing and family disapproval, Chabrier pursued his passion for music, studying law and working as a civil servant while composing in his spare time. It was not until he was nearly forty that he dedicated himself fully to his musical career.

Chabrier's compositions are a delightful blend of French elegance and Spanish flair, with his orchestral works "España" and "Joyeuse marche" being particularly renowned. His life in artistic Montmartre was rich with friendships, including poets like Verlaine, painters such as Renoir, Monet, and Manet, and writers like Zola and Daudet. Chabrier's music reflects the vibrant and diverse cultural milieu in which he thrived, making his works a joy to explore for any music enthusiast.