Dukas: L'Oeuvre pour piano

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of French modernism with "Dukas: L'Oeuvre pour piano" by Paul Dukas. This album, released on January 28, 2014, under the Timpani label, is a testament to Dukas' meticulous compositional style and his significant contributions to French music. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, the album features a collection of Dukas' piano works, showcasing his brilliance and versatility.

The album opens with the Piano Sonata in E-Flat Minor, a four-movement work that demonstrates Dukas' ability to blend emotional depth with technical precision. The sonata is followed by "La plainte, au loin, du faune…", a piece that offers a glimpse into Dukas' evocative and descriptive musical language. The centerpiece of the album is the "Variations, interlude et finale sur un thème de Rameau", a set of variations based on a theme by Jean-Philippe Rameau. This work showcases Dukas' mastery of form and his ability to transform a single theme into a rich and varied musical tapestry. The album concludes with "Prélude élégiaque sur le nom de Haydn", a tribute to the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn.

Paul Dukas, best known for his symphonic scherzo "The Sorcerer's Apprentice", was a prominent figure in French music at the turn of the 20th century. His works are characterized by their meticulous scoring, rich harmonies, and evocative melodies. This album offers a comprehensive overview of Dukas' piano works, providing a unique opportunity to explore the musical world of this French master.

The album is performed by Steven Osborne, one of Britain's most treasured musicians. Osborne's insightful and idiomatic interpretations bring Dukas' music to life, revealing the depth and richness of these works. His performances are marked by a keen sense of phrasing, a delicate touch, and a deep understanding of the musical language of Paul Dukas.

Paul Dukas, born in Paris in 1865, was a French composer, critic, scholar, and teacher whose modest yet impactful body of work has left an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. Known for his intense self-criticism, Dukas destroyed many of his compositions, leaving behind a select few masterpieces that continue to captivate audiences today. His most renowned work, "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," gained widespread acclaim through its iconic use in Disney's "Fantasia," overshadowing his other notable compositions such as the opera "Ariane et Barbe-bleue," the "Symphony in C," and the ballet "La Péri." Dukas' meticulous approach to composition and his influence as a teacher have solidified his status as one of the great French composers of the early twentieth century. Despite his retiring personality, his musical legacy endures, inviting listeners to explore the depth and brilliance of his artistic vision.