"Face à Face" is a captivating journey through a diverse range of musical styles, masterfully arranged for trumpet and string quintet by Manuel Doutrelant. Led by the virtuoso Romain Leleu, the Romain Leleu Sextet presents a collection of timeless pieces that span from classical to jazz and beyond. The album, released on October 1, 2021, under the prestigious Harmonia Mundi label, offers a rich tapestry of sounds that will delight any music enthusiast.
The tracklist is a testament to the ensemble's versatility, featuring iconic works such as George Gershwin's "An American in Paris" and "Summertime" from "Porgy and Bess," Leonard Bernstein's "West Side Story," and the enchanting "Gabriel's Oboe" from Ennio Morricone's "The Mission." The album also includes lesser-known gems like Joao Bosco's "O bêbado e a equilibrista" and Serge Gainsbourg's "La Javanaise," showcasing the sextet's ability to breathe new life into a variety of musical genres.
With a duration of just over an hour, "Face à Face" is a compelling exploration of the trumpet's expressive range, backed by the lush textures of the string quintet. The album's two bonus tracks, "Sonate pour piano, K. 331: Marche turque" and "Il Giustino: Vedrò con mio diletto," add an extra layer of depth to this already impressive collection. Whether you're a fan of classical music, jazz, or something in between, "Face à Face" is sure to leave a lasting impression.