Emmanuel Chabrier

Emmanuel Chabrier's self-titled album is a delightful journey through the Romantic era, showcasing the composer's unique voice and virtuosity. Released in 2000, this album is a collection of Chabrier's most enchanting piano works, expertly performed and recorded. The album spans a duration of one hour and five minutes, offering a substantial exploration of Chabrier's musical landscape.

The album opens with the "Pièces Pittoresques," a suite of six evocative pieces that paint vivid musical landscapes, from the melancholic "Mélancolie" to the lively "Danse villageoise." Following this, the album presents a variety of character pieces, including the playful "Bourrée fantasque," the tender "Aubade," and the spirited "Joyeuse marche." The album also features Chabrier's "Valses Romantiques," a set of three waltzes that showcase his mastery of dance forms.

One of the highlights of the album is the "Air de ballet," a piece that demonstrates Chabrier's ability to create vivid, theatrical music. The album also includes transcriptions for one piano, four hands, such as the "Romantic Waltzes," transcribed by the renowned pianist Alfred Cortot.

Emmanuel Chabrier was a French composer and pianist of the Romantic era. His music is known for its wit, charm, and orchestral color, and this album provides a comprehensive overview of his piano works. Whether you're a fan of Romantic music or simply looking to explore the genre, this album is an excellent choice. The album is released by Maestoso.

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.