Catoire: Chamber Works

Albumbeschreibung

Admittedly the name “Georges Catoire” doesn’t suggest that this honourable and unfortunately under-represented composer is a pure Russian. And yet, he is! Born a Russian in Moscow in 1861 and died a Soviet in the same city in 1926, he sadly wrote very few pieces: all in all, we know three dozens of his works, including a lone symphony, a single concerto for piano and a unique orchestral cantata. The rest is exclusively comprised of chamber music and romances – the Russian equivalent to the German Lied and the French melody. While it is good form to place Catoire’s work in the continuity of Wagner’s, the very format of chamber music prevents numerous influences from the Master from Bayreuth, and it is clear that his 1906 Violin and Piano Sonata Op. 20 “Poem” not only bears the mark of Franck and Fauré, but also of Debussy and even, at times, Scriabin, all in a highly melodic language and sophisticated harmony. His 1916 Elegie Op. 26 doesn’t disavow Rachmaninoff’s influence – but its small French elements undoubtedly represent a testimony to the character’s origins, whose ancestors left France during the Revolution. The Gallicisation of his first name Georgy to Georges may very be another hint… Finally, his 1902 Piano Trio Op. 14 clearly displays the French-Russian duality of his character. If only Catoire had been a little less modest and a little more verbose, he would be considered today as one of the major composers of his time. Let us praise this beautiful recording as an indispensable and powerful comeback of the character. © SM/Qobuz