Jean Françaix: Musique pour faire plaisir

Jean Françaix's "Musique pour faire plaisir" is a delightful journey through the composer's neoclassical and chamber music repertoire, recorded in January 1987 at the prestigious Hans Rosbaud-Studio in Baden-Baden. This album, released under the Wergo label, features the Bläser Ensemble Mainz under the direction of Klaus Rainer Schöll, with Jean Françaix himself at the piano. The ensemble's instrumentation includes a blend of woodwinds and brass, creating a rich and vibrant sound palette.

The album opens with "Onze variations sur un thème de Haydn," a playful homage to the classical master, followed by "Mozart new-look," a whimsical take on Mozart's style. The centerpiece of the album is the suite "Musique pour faire plaisir," inspired by Francis Poulenc's pianistic compositions and arranged for wind ensemble. This suite includes charming pieces like "Petite valse" and "L'embarquement pour Cythère, grand valse démocratique," showcasing Françaix's wit and melodic inventiveness.

The second half of the album is dedicated to "Danses exotiques," a suite composed in 1981, which explores various dance styles from around the world, including the pambiche, baiao, merengue, mambo, samba, and rock'n'roll. Each piece is a delightful blend of Françaix's neoclassical style and the rhythmic vitality of its respective dance form.

Throughout the album, Françaix's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, clever harmonies, and infectious rhythms. "Musique pour faire plaisir" is a testament to Françaix's unique voice in the world of classical music, offering a diverse and engaging listening experience that highlights his compositional prowess and the ensemble's virtuosity.