Emmanuel Pahud, the renowned Swiss-French flautist, presents a captivating collection of chamber music with his album "French Connection." Released on November 25, 2005, under the Warner Classics label, this album spans a little under an hour and features a brilliant ensemble of musicians, including Eric Le Sage on piano and Paul Meyer on clarinet.
The album is a delightful journey through the works of prominent French composers, showcasing a diverse range of styles and moods. It opens with a lively and animated piece by Florent Schmitt, followed by a joyous and energetic sonata by Darius Milhaud. The album also includes works by André Jolivet, Maurice Emmanuel, and Heitor Villa-Lobos, each offering a unique blend of technical brilliance and emotional depth.
One of the highlights of the album is the Suite from the Return of Maxim by Dmitri Shostakovich, arranged for flute, clarinet, and piano by Atovmyan. This piece, along with the Barrel Organ Waltz from the Suite from the Gadfly, adds a touch of Russian charm to the otherwise French-centric collection.
Emmanuel Pahud's virtuosic playing is on full display throughout the album, demonstrating his exceptional skill and musicality. The interplay between the flute, clarinet, and piano is masterfully executed, creating a rich and engaging listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "French Connection" offers a compelling exploration of some of the most beautiful and engaging chamber music ever written.
Shostakovich / Arr. Atovmyan for Flute, Clarinet and Piano: Suite from the Return of Maxim, Op. 45: No. 3, ValseDmitri Shostakovich, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage, Paul Meyer
Villa-Lobos: Chôros No. 2 for Flute and Clarinet, W197Heitor Villa-Lobos, Emmanuel Pahud, Paul Meyer
Schmitt: Sonatine en trio, Op. 85: I. Assez animéFlorent Schmitt, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage, Paul Meyer
Schmitt: Sonatine en trio, Op. 85: II. Assez vifFlorent Schmitt, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage, Paul Meyer
Schmitt: Sonatine en trio, Op. 85: III. Très lenteFlorent Schmitt, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage, Paul Meyer
Schmitt: Sonatine en trio, Op. 85: IV. AniméFlorent Schmitt, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage, Paul Meyer
Milhaud: Sonata for Flute, Clarinet, Oboe and Piano, Op. 47: I. TranquilleDarius Milhaud, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage, François Meyer, Paul Meyer
Milhaud: Sonata for Flute, Clarinet, Oboe and Piano, Op. 47: II. JoyeuxDarius Milhaud, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage, François Meyer, Paul Meyer
Milhaud: Sonata for Flute, Clarinet, Oboe and Piano, Op. 47: III. EmportéDarius Milhaud, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage, François Meyer, Paul Meyer
Milhaud: Sonata for Flute, Clarinet, Oboe and Piano, Op. 47: IV. DouloureuxDarius Milhaud, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage, François Meyer, Paul Meyer
Jolivet: Sonatina for Flute and Clarinet: I. AndantinoAndré Jolivet, Emmanuel Pahud, Paul Meyer
Jolivet: Sonatina for Flute and Clarinet: II. Quasi cadenzaAndré Jolivet, Emmanuel Pahud, Paul Meyer
Jolivet: Sonatina for Flute and Clarinet: III. IntermezzoAndré Jolivet, Emmanuel Pahud, Paul Meyer
Emmanuel: Sonata for Flute, Clarinet and Piano, Op. 11: I. Allegro con spiritoMaurice Emmanuel, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage, Paul Meyer
Emmanuel: Sonata for Flute, Clarinet and Piano, Op. 11: II. AdagioMaurice Emmanuel, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage, Paul Meyer
Emmanuel: Sonata for Flute, Clarinet and Piano, Op. 11: III. Molto allegro e leggierissimoMaurice Emmanuel, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage, Paul Meyer
Shostakovich / Arr. Atovmyan for Flute, Clarinet and Piano: Suite from the Gadfly, Op. 97a: V. Barrel Organ WaltzDmitri Shostakovich, Emmanuel Pahud, Eric Le Sage, Paul Meyer