Lekeu: La musique de chambre I

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Guillaume Lekeu's chamber music with "La musique de chambre I," a captivating collection released in 1991. This album, a testament to Lekeu's musical genius, features a selection of his most profound works, performed by an ensemble of talented musicians including Philippe Hirschhorn, Jean-Claude Vanden Eynden, and Domus. The album is a journey through Lekeu's intricate compositions, showcasing his mastery of the genre.

The album opens with the Sonate pour piano et violon in G Major, V. 64, a piece that beautifully contrasts the delicate and the passionate. The three movements, "Très modéré - Vif et passioné," "Très lent," and "Très animé," offer a range of emotions and technical brilliance. Following this, the Quatuor à clavier (inachevé) in B Minor, V. 62, with its movements "Dans un emportement douloureux (Très animé)" and "Lent et passionné," further explores the depth and complexity of Lekeu's compositions.

This 57-minute album, released under the Ricercar label, is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts. Lekeu's ability to blend technical prowess with heartfelt expression makes this album a standout in the chamber music genre. Whether you're a seasoned classical music fan or a newcomer to the genre, "La musique de chambre I" promises an enriching and enjoyable listening experience.

1 januari 1991

1991 Ricercar

About Guillaume Lekeu

Guillaume Lekeu, a Belgian composer of profound promise, left an indelible mark on the world of classical music despite his tragically short life. Born in Heusy, near Verviers, in 1870, Lekeu began his musical journey at the tender age of six, studying piano and violin under the tutelage of Alphonse Voss. His family's move to Poitiers in 1879 opened new avenues for his musical education, where he continued to hone his skills in violin, piano, and cello. By the age of 15, Lekeu was already composing prolifically, and his talent soon caught the attention of esteemed composers César Franck and Vincent d'Indy, under whom he further refined his craft.

Lekeu's compositions, though few in number due to his untimely death at the age of 24 from typhoid fever, are marked by a maturity and depth that belied his young age. His most renowned work, the Violin Sonata in G Major, composed in 1892-93 and dedicated to the renowned violinist Eugène Ysaÿe, showcases his mastery of chamber music and his unique voice as a composer. Lekeu's music, characterized by its emotional intensity and technical brilliance, continues to captivate audiences and musicians alike, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary potential that was cut short by his premature passing.