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This disc commemorates the centenary of Jean Françaix, (1912-1997), and celebrates his music, written with the stated aim to ‘give pleasure’.
Françaix wrote his first chamber work for winds, the Quartet, in 1933 at the age of 21, and completed his Quintet No.2 more than 50 years later – with a remarkably consistent style marked by lightness and wit.
The highly regarded Bergen Woodwind Quintet, consisting of solo players from the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, here performs four chamber works for winds. The versatile ensemble released its first disc on BIS in 1985, and has recorded chamber music by Carl Nielsen as well as by David Maslanka, to critical acclaim.
Jean Francaix: Wind Quintet
I. Andante tranquillo
II. Presto
III. Theme and Variations: Andante - L'istesso tempo - Andantino con moto - Lento - Vivo - Andante
IV. Tempo di marcia francese
Jean Francaix: Wind Quintet No. 2
I. Preludio
II. Toccata allegro
III. Scherzando
IV. Andante
V. Allegrissimo
Jean Francaix: Quartet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet and Bassoon
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro molto
IV. Allegro vivo
Jean Francaix: Divertissement for Oboe, Clarinet and Bassoon
I. Prelude: Moderato
II. Allegretto assai
III. Elegie: Grave
IV. Scherzo
September 2012
“There is a nice mixture of whimsy throughout all these pieces, plus a gentle melancholy that is wholly individual…a cornucopia of very French music, which is superbly played.”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
I. Andante tranquillo
