French Moments

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The French Moments title might lead one to expect encore-type single-movement pieces, but in fact this release by the multinational Neave Trio consists of multi-movement works in traditional forms, and densely argued ones at that. One of the recording's appealing aspects is that none of these three works is terribly often performed. Two, the Debussy and the Roussel, are youthful; the Fauré, gloomy until it throws the mood off with its energetic finale, comes from the end of its composer's life. Yet the players find what's important and stirring in the music. Some of the publicity for the album has stated that it opens with the Fauré Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 120, but in fact that comes last; your attention is immediately seized by the Piano Trio in E flat major, Op. 2, of Albert Roussel, with its medieval influences (a product of his training at the Schola Cantorum) and hotshot long climb and crescendo at the beginning. This is a challenge for any trio, and the Neave Trio delivers on what it promises. The Debussy Piano Trio No. 1 in G major is a breezy product of the composer's teenage years, and is given an entirely appropriate brisk, slightly brash performance. With Chandos supplying fine, intimate Potton Hall sound, this album will satisfyingly fill many an empty space in collections of French music.
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