Intrada

Album review

Éric Tanguy (1968) studied at the Paris Conservatoire and has gone on to become one of the most frequently performed young French composers. The influences of Tanguy's training, which include the spectralism of Horatiu Radulescu and Gérard Grisey, the serialism of Darmstadt, and the evocative post-Impressionism of Henri Dutilleux are all in evidence in Intrada (1998). The three-movement piece is skillfully crafted, colorfully orchestrated, and is an altogether attractive example of eclectic modernism, but it doesn't have the distinctive personality or voice to make it stand out from the many other idiomatically similar works created by Tanguy's contemporaries. In spite of its lack of a distinctive individuality or originality, taken on its own terms it's an aurally appealing and dramatic essay in orchestral writing. Orchestre National de Paris, conducted by Pascal Rophé, plays with polish and fiery intensity. The recording, made at a live performance, includes some ambient noise, but for the most part is clear and lively. The listener should note that the CD is full-priced, but includes the single piece, which lasts about 17 minutes.
© TiVo

Details of original recording : 17:16 - DDD - Enregistré à la Salle Olivier Messiaen de Radio France le 29 janvier 1999 pendant le Festival "Présences 99" - Notes en français et anglais