A central figure in the arts in France during his lifetime, Déodat de Sévérac stressed the importance of distinctive regional character in music. He derived his inspiration from Catalonia and Provence, and the genial warmth of expression in his work is reflected in the radiant imagery of Baigneuses au soleil which was dedicated to Alfred Cortot. The two groups of En vacances, the first described as little romantic pieces of moderate difficulty, are dedicated to friends, relations or colleagues, while the Fantasy Sous les lauriers roses is dedicated to the memory of the composer’s teachers. Volume 1 (NA 5855) of Jordi Masó’s survey is a Penguin Guide *** key recommendation.
**** Excellent
Luca Segalla - Music magazine - July/August 2012
"This is the second volume of a welcome series. Deodat de Severac ... wrote music of unassuming lyricism and quiet elegance. Unabashedly “regional”, he based his piano art on French and Catalan songs and locations. This delicate and delightful music is well served by Jordi Maso, who plays with prismatic color and understated musicality.‘Bathers in the Sun’ ... is a sparkling evocation of girls enjoying themselves at the shore. ‘Danse Nocturne’ ... and ‘Under the Oleanders’ ... have a charm reminiscent of early Debussy. There are evocations of music boxes and minuets, as well as loving tributes to Schumann, Chopin, and Chabrier. The program ends with a witty ‘Canon sans danger dans le style pompier’ just to remind us that this music does not traffic in pretentiousness." Jack Sullivan - American Record Guide - July/August 2012
"...the playing of Jordi Masó who brings out the nuances of each individual piece most pertinently or the recording which does not intervene between the performer and the listener. musicweb- international.com - 15 June 2012