After a first Brahms recital that made a great impression, and Mozart concertos praised by the press for their natural fit (Gramophone) and fluidity (Le Monde), pianist Jonathan Fournel, winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition at the age of 27 and now an important figure on the international stage, has decided to record Chopin & Szymanowski, a program that he has already performed extensively in concert:
"I like Chopin's 3rd Sonata because the melodic lines don't need any embellishments, they're already beautiful — in the same way that the Mona Lisa doesn’t need any make-up. The same is true for Szymanowski's more virtuoso pieces. Szymanowski is a bit like a Scriabin who developed at full speed and who at times approached the Viennese style. I like that because there's research to be done inside, but it's not virtuosity à la Rachmaninov. What I like about these composers is that every element counts and expresses something.”Jonathan Fournel, Piano
Tracklist
Total time: 01:40
1.
Variations in B-Flat Minor Op. 3
11:23
2.
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op. 58: I. Allegro maestoso
12:00
3.
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op. 58: II. Scherzo. Molto vivace
02:25
4.
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op. 58: III. Largo
09:05
5.
Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op. 58: IV. Finale. Presto non tanto
05:13
6.
Variations on a Polish Folk Theme Op. 10: Introduction. Andante doloroso rubato
00:44
7.
Variations on a Polish Folk Theme Op. 10: Tema. Andantino semplice
01:10
8.
Variations on a Polish Folk Theme Op. 10: Var. 1. Meno mosso
00:51
9.
Variations on a Polish Folk Theme Op. 10: Var. 2. Agitato
00:39
10.
Variations on a Polish Folk Theme Op. 10: Var. 3. Lento mesto ma poco agitato
00:51
11.
Variations on a Polish Folk Theme Op. 10: Var. 4. Allegro molto agitato
00:40
12.
Variations on a Polish Folk Theme Op. 10: Var. 5. Andantino
01:03
13.
Variations on a Polish Folk Theme Op. 10: Var. 6. Andante dolcissimo
02:03
14.
Variations on a Polish Folk Theme Op. 10: Var. 7. Più mosso
00:50
15.
Variations on a Polish Folk Theme Op. 10: Var. 8. Marcia funebre
04:12
16.
Variations on a Polish Folk Theme Op. 10: Var. 9. Più mosso. Allegro
01:04
17.
Variations on a Polish Folk Theme Op. 10: Var. 10. Finale. Allegro vivo - Maestoso
06:27
Track previews are low res MP3s in Stereo. Your download will come in the quality and channels you choose.
My wife and I love to sit back and relax listening to this album. The recording and engineering are excellent as well as the musicianship. So very nice!
A real gem. The most profound, vibrant and, above all, unique interpretation of these masterpieces, the Leçons de ténèbres. I had the chance to hear them performed live by Miguel and Aurea Vox; now, this album is like that moment, preserved forever. Absolutely brilliant: Miguel is becoming increasingly special, personal and beautiful.
Simply beautiful Jazz music. This Pure DSD 256 file is amazing at creating a very believable stage in front of your listening room.
This album, with a few others from NativeDSD, was part of a DSD review I did on my YouTube channel (mikesvinylexperience). The Blue Hours Sessions is a go-to for me when I just want to unwind with a great musical and sonic experience!
Okay, I couldn't agree more with the first two reviews here. If you enjoy the cut-and-dried simplicity of a Jazz Trio, or you're just in the mood, give this a try.
The musicians and the recording are fantastic. Such precision and so serene. Bravo!
Old Gold is superbly produced, mixed and mastered with that classic Stockfisch sound. Great clear vocals, rich guitars and a lovely Old School Classic Vintage feel. A great choice for relaxed and critical listening.
I love instrumental Jazz. So when I encountered the Rembrandt Trio's first album, entitled "The Blue Hour Sessions", I had a brief listen to samples, liked what I heard and bought it (DSD 128 resolution).
As a result of that experience, it will probably come as no surprise to learn that, when "The Golden Hour Sessions" - the group's follow-up album - appeared, I had a listen to samples of that and ended up buying it too (DSD 126 as well).
I was very impressed with the playing on both albums. I also found the music to be highly enjoyable. When the superb recording quality is also taken into account, I feel a warm recommendation is definitely warranted.
The Golden Hour Sessions is an outstanding recording and is a testament to the talent of Rembrandt Freichs Trio. Just another excellent offering from Native DSD
This was one of my first DSD albums. Got it in DSD 256. Now I have more than a few. This one is by far my favorite.
Every time I listen to it I'm amazed at the clarity and detail. The vibraphone jumps out at you every single time and I am amazed every single time. The limited number of reviews do NOT do it justice! It is simply outstanding!
A superbly produced, recorded and mastered album. Live Encounters is a warm intimate Live Jazz audience recording that is very enjoyable, adventurous and engaging without becoming overly showy.
Patricia Barber - Audiophile Queen!! Clique! is superbly produced, recorded and mastered. The album showcases Patricia with elegance, originality and impeccable musicianship. A very rewarding listen for Jazz lovers. A must purchase for any music library.
One of the most creative recordings I have heard. The interplay between Bloom and percussionist Miller reminds me of (weird, I know) the mating dance of rattlesnakes. Beautifully intertwined. Two lives moving in harmony in a way not often heard in music.
After a first Brahms recital that made a great impression, and Mozart concertos praised by the press for their natural fit (Gramophone) and fluidity (Le Monde), pianist Jonathan Fournel, winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition at the age of 27 and now an important figure on the international stage, has decided to record Chopin & Szymanowski, a program that he has already performed extensively in concert:
"I like Chopin's 3rd Sonata because the melodic lines don't need any embellishments, they're already beautiful — in the same way that the Mona Lisa doesn’t need any make-up. The same is true for Szymanowski's more virtuoso pieces. Szymanowski is a bit like a Scriabin who developed at full speed and who at times approached the Viennese style. I like that because there's research to be done inside, but it's not virtuosity à la Rachmaninov. What I like about these composers is that every element counts and expresses something.”Jonathan Fournel, Piano