Gabriel Pierné: Piano Concerto; Suites Nos 1 and 2 from Ramuntcho; Divertissements sur un thème pastoral; Marche des petits soldats de plomb – Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, BBC Philharmonic, Juanjo Mena

Whilst not now a household name, Pierné was a highly respected and very active composer / conductor in his day as well as a key figure in the French musical establishment (he even has a square named after him in Paris). He received the French Légion d’honneur in 1900 and in 1910 conducted the premiere of Stravinsky’s The Firebird. A pupil of Franck and Massenet, he wrote music with tremendous fluency and all his works were written with a characteristically light, French touch. Developing a style that combined the seriousness of Franck with the sensuality of Massenet, Pierné absorbed the essence of both teachers to produce a string of very attractive and tuneful orchestral pieces.

The composer’s perhaps most famous work is the Marche des petits soldats de plomb (March of the Little Lead Soldiers) which enjoyed a great vogue up until recent years. This new recording reveals its catchy charms to new generations.

This is Jean-Efflam Bavouzet’s third concerto CD for Chandos, following this year’s highly acclaimed accounts of the piano concertos by Bartók (CHAN 10610) and Ravel (CHSA 5084). That Bavouzet is a true master of the French repertoire is evident from his award-winning series of the complete works for solo piano by Debussy. He is here accompanied by Juanjo Mena, who in September 2011 will become Chief Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic and here makes his debut on Chandos.

“…Mena rounds things out with one piece you’ll surely know, the March of the Little Lead Soldiers from a suite of piano pieces. This is actually the first piece on the program – a delectable aperitif. The sumptuous sounds taken down in New Broadcasting HOUse, Manchester will fill your from from floor to rafters.”

Haller – American Record Guide – May/June 2011

Artistic Quality 10 Sound Quality 10

"These performances are stunning ... Jean-Efflam Bavouzet is an unbeatable soloist, and the orchestral playing under Mena is irreproachable ... plus terrific sonics and the result is simply irresistable. You’ll love this music."

John Hurwitz - ClassicsToday.com - May 2011

“…Although this music is all about ear-pleasing charm, it comes across as far from lightweight when played with such flair and character. Juanjo Mena’s handling of pace and mood, though never obtrusive, is beautifully skilled.” ****

Malcolm Hayes – Classic FM Magazine May 2011

“Very good recording, detailed and truthful sound.” ***

Michel Fleury - Classica (France) – March 2011

****

Guy Engels - Pizzicato - March 2011

Editor’s Choice

“Orchestral charm and craftsmanship revealed in a fine Philharmonic recital” “…For all those who delight in a wholly French grace and magic, this disc is a winner, and it is superbly recorded.”

Bryce Morrison

Gramophone - March 2011

"...Aiding the performers, the BBC Phil and Juanjo Mena a partnership to watch it seems, co-producers Brian Pidgeon and Mike George, together with Steven Rinker’s dynamic and gorgeous sound, have come up with a 2011 Winner long before such Awards have been nominated, let alone chosen. There’s enough Pierné, including some more piano-and-orchestra pieces, for a second volume. Hopefully."

Colin Anderson

theclassicalsource.com - 01 January 2011

Performance **** Recording ****
“This attractive disc would make an ideal introduction to the charms of Pierne’s music.”

Christopher Dingle

BBC Music Magazine - February 2011

*****

A Dickson

*****

Charming and delightful

B Thomas

Pierne: Piano Works

BBC Philharmonic

Juanjo Mena

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet

Studio 7, New Broadcasting House, Manchester

Mike George

Brian Pidgeon

Ralph Couzens

Stephen Rinker

Denise Else

Chris Hardman

Piano

GABRIEL PIERNE

Marche des petits soldats de plomb

Piano Concerto

Divertissements sur un Theme Pastoral

Ramuntcho Suite No. 1

Ramuntcho Suite No. 2