Pierné; Vierne – Piano Quintets
Quatuor Arthur-Leblanc; Stéphane Lemelin
ATMA ACD2 2384
Pianist Stéphane Lemelin is director of “Découvertes 1890-1939,” a music series dedicated to the rediscovery of neglected early 20th-century French repertoire. He collaborated with the wonderful Quatuor Arthur-LeBlanc on this marvellous recording of piano quintets by Gabriel Pierné (1863-1937) and Louis Vierne (1870-1937). These two composers were contemporaries who shared not only turbulent times in both the history of Europe and the history of French music, but also similar musical aesthetics that could be described as very French and very refined. Gabriel Pierné, a prolific composer, also had a successful career as a conductor and was a passionate proponent of modern music, having premiered works of Stravinsky, Debussy and Ravel, among others. Louis Vierne was a respected organist – six organ symphonies are prominent in his opus.
As I was listening to this recording on a cold and snowy February day, it occurred to me that these piano quintets carry intensity that is emblematic of the winter season – a thick, undiluted, powerful “force majeure” of harmonies and expressions. Vierne’s music transmits darkness and pathos (possibly because he was mourning the death of his son) but also has a fierce energy to it. Pierné’s quintet appears to be more gentle, cinematic, with constant rhythmic drive that brings forward flow to each movement.
Passion and virtuosity are evident in Lemelin’s interpretation. The piano and strings have a good rapport, resulting in constant and flawless passing of expressions and big, enveloping sound at times. I especially enjoyed the delicate string textures in the quieter and accompanying sections.
