Spirit I Am

Album Description

Romain Leleu, a name synonymous with virtuosity and elegance in the classical music world, presents "Spirit I Am," a captivating album released in 2010 under the Aparté label. This exquisite collection of tracks showcases Leleu's remarkable talent and versatility, offering a blend of well-known pieces and hidden gems that span various styles and moods.

The album opens with the lively "Scherzo de concert," setting the stage for a journey through the romantic and virtuosic works that follow. Leleu's interpretation of Tchaikovsky's "Souvenir d'un lieu cher, Op. 42" is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating his ability to infuse each note with depth and expression. The "Pièce de concert No. 1, Op. 11" and "Feuille d'album" further highlight his technical prowess and musical sensitivity.

One of the standout pieces is the "Concerto en Fa Mineur, Op. 18" by Alexander Arutiunian, a work that combines stormy animation with sweeping breadth, perfectly showcasing Leleu's dynamic range and control. The concerto's three movements—Allegro moderato, Adagio religioso - allegretto, and Rondo - allegretto scherzando—offer a rich tapestry of emotions and technical challenges that Leleu navigates with ease.

The album also features enchanting pieces like "L'Alouette" and the famous "Vocalise" from Rachmaninoff's "14 Romances, Op. 34," as well as the playful "Polichinelle" from "Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3." The "Fantaisie slave" and "Six morceaux, Op. 51: VI. Valse sentimentale" add a touch of exoticism and romance, respectively.

Rounding out the collection is the iconic "Le Vol du Bourdon" from Rimsky-Korsakov's "The Tale of Tsar Saltan," a thrilling finale that leaves the listener breathless. With a duration of approximately one hour and three minutes, "Spirit I Am" is a testament to Romain Leleu's artistry and a delight for classical music enthusiasts.

11 februari 2010

2009 Aparté

About Romain Leleu

Romain Leleu is a celebrated French classical trumpeter renowned for his virtuosic performances and innovative approach to music. Born in Lille in 1983, Leleu began his musical journey at a young age, studying at the prestigious CNSMD de Paris and later refining his skills under the guidance of Reinhold Friedrich at the Musikhochschule of Karlsruhe. His career has taken him across five continents, where he has captivated audiences with his mastery of the trumpet, spanning from Baroque to contemporary compositions. Leleu's discography is as diverse as it is impressive, featuring collaborations with renowned orchestras and ensembles, as well as solo works that showcase his technical prowess and artistic versatility. He is the elder brother of tuba player Thomas Leleu, and together, they have performed as the Virtuosi duo. Leleu's accolades include being named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication in 2016, and winning the Victoires de la Musique Classique award for Revelation Instrumental Soloist in 2009. Beyond his performances, Leleu is also dedicated to education, offering masterclasses worldwide and recently launching his own label, RL Records, with the release of his album "Nuit Fantastique." Whether performing iconic film scores or resurrecting historic instruments, Romain Leleu continues to push the boundaries of classical music, making him a standout figure in the contemporary classical scene.