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Track(s) taken from SIGCD126

Fantaisie

composer
1933

James Clark (violin), Matthew Schellhorn (piano)
Recording details: February 2008
Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Produced by Rachel Smith
Engineered by Peter Newble
Release date: July 2008
Total duration: 8 minutes 59 seconds
 

Reviews

'A worthwhile and distinctive release' (Gramophone)

'Admirers of Messiaen’s music will simply have to have this record, for it contains the world premiere recording of a solo piano piece, Morceau de lecture à vue composed in 1934 for the sight-reading examination at the École Normale de Musique … the record merits a strong recommendation for the performances of the other, more well-known music here. The result is an excellent issue, dominated as it is by the masterly Quartet for the end of time which still, after seventy years, packs a considerable punch in terms of emotional expression—especially in such a fine performance as it undoubtedly receives in this instance' (International Record Review)» More

‘ 'A heart-stoppingly beautiful performance … listeners who love Quatuor pour la fin du Temps owe it to themselves to hear this stellar version' (AllMusic, USA)

In 1933, Messiaen wrote a piece for violin and piano to play in concerts with Claire. The Fantaisie was long thought to have been lost, but it was rediscovered by Yvonne Loriod-Messiaen among the composer’s papers, and published early in 2007 by Durand. The first known performance – listed as the ‘1re audition’ in the Guide du Concert – took place at the Schola Cantorum in Paris on 18 March 1935, played by Delbos and Messiaen. Composed at the same time as L’Ascension, it is a freer work than the Theme and VariationsFantaisie develops and repeats these three ideas, ending with a passionate restatement of the arching theme, and a quick coda which ends the piece with robust and traditional G major chords.

from notes by Nigel Simeone © 2008

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