Ibert: Histoires...

“Nicholas nudges Nash aside for a delightfully witty talk with the animals. Nicholas provides a welcome narrative context - a parade of Saint-Saën's menagerie through the streets of Paris - whose memorable visual images will likely enthral savvier children. The performance here by Nettle and Markham... and a crackerjack instrumental ensemble is top-notch too.” Gramophone Magazine, April 2008

“Again, Naxos ferrets out unfamiliar repertory that delights as it teases with the question: why didn't somebody think of this before? Ibert's piano music is a bit reminiscent of Poulenc's but more straightforward. These tiny Pictures, Stories, Encounters, and sundry musical images - some 36 of them before this generous program has run its course - enchant even if they don't cut very deeply. The Romance offers Schumannesque Lyricism; the 'Abandoned Palace' and ' The Wind Over The Ruins' have spooky Gothic atmosphere; the brilliant 'Cabman's Dance' sprints off the keyboard and out of sight; the children's pieces evoke innocence and wonder in the mode of Ravel's Mother Goose. "As usual, Naxos serves up a fresh, impressive musician along with the novel music. Korean pianist He-won Chang plays with crisp rhythms, subtle colors, and a sense of joy. The sound is warm and resplendent. This enterprising label shows that there is no reason for brainless "easy listening". Plenty of great music with a light touch is out there, waiting to be unearthed.” American Record Guide, September/October 2000