Charles-Valentin Alkan - The Chamber Music (1992) Reissue 2008
Dong-Suk Kang, violin; Yvan Chiffoleau, cello; Olivier Gardon, piano
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 304 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 189 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: Timpani | # 1C1139 | Time: 01:14:09
Dong-Suk Kang, violin; Yvan Chiffoleau, cello; Olivier Gardon, piano
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 304 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 189 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: Timpani | # 1C1139 | Time: 01:14:09
Alkan was counted in Busoni's pantheon of five romantics alongside Chopin, Schumann, Liszt and Brahms. Brahms and Schumann are the references in the euphoric Grand Duo Concertant - nothing short of a 20 or so minute Sonata in three turbulent movements. This is a work of diving romance and if Alkan had stopped in the style of the first movement then we would have been able to 'place' Alkan. Instead we get a second movement that clamours in bass heavy capering for all the world like a picture of a Black Sabbath. As if to make ‘amends’ the finale is back to the helter-skelter tumble of vivacity we find in the first movement. This euphoria carries over into the Cello Sonata which is in four classically well-tailored movements. Alkan's originality or eccentricity (take your pick) returns for the Adagio which is part sentimental and part affecting. This perhaps offers a parallel with Joseph Holbrooke's chamber works in which sublime ideas and treatment suddenly find themselves up against kitsch music hall ditties. A wild saltarello with grand manner Hungarian gestures from the piano round out the picture.