Sauguet : L'Oiseau a vu tout cela, Garden concerto, Sonate d'église

Henri Sauguet's "Sauguet : L'Oiseau a vu tout cela, Garden concerto, Sonate d'église" is a captivating journey through the composer's diverse musical landscape. Released in 2010 by Arion, this album spans a little over an hour, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that showcase Sauguet's unique voice and mastery of various genres.

The album opens with "L'oiseau a vu tout cela," a cantata for baritone and string orchestra, performed by the renowned Ensemble Instrumental Jean-Walter Audoli under the direction of Michel Piquemal. This piece sets the tone for the album, showcasing Sauguet's ability to blend lyrical melodies with intricate orchestral textures.

Following this is the "Garden concerto," originally composed for harmonica and string orchestra, here presented in a version for oboe. The concerto is divided into three movements, each offering a distinct mood and character. The "Andantino con grazia" is a graceful and elegant dance, while the "Allegretto vive e con fantasia" is a lively and imaginative scherzo. The final movement, "Allegro vivace e scherzando," is a playful and energetic conclusion to the concerto.

The album concludes with the "Sonate d'église" for organ and string orchestra. This three-movement work is a testament to Sauguet's ability to blend the grandeur of the organ with the subtlety of the strings. The "Moderato assai" is a solemn and reflective opening, the "Lento" is a deeply moving and introspective middle movement, and the "Allegro" is a triumphant and exhilarating finale.

Throughout the album, Sauguet's compositions are brought to life by the skilled performances of the Ensemble Instrumental Jean-Walter Audoli and Michel Piquemal. Their nuanced interpretations and technical prowess highlight the depth and complexity of Sauguet's music, making this album a compelling exploration of one of the 20th century's most innovative composers.