Debussy: Clair de Lune (from Suite Bergamasque)

From the poetry of Debussy to the nostalgia of Ravel, from the humour of Satie to the insouciance of Poulenc, the French music of the early decades of the twentieth century was created by fine minds capable of grasping delicate nuances, infinite variations of light on the natural world and the human soul. From the gentlest im pressionism to the most outrageous surrealism, the pathways of French music are many and varied - and immensely colourful.

Dedicated to the memory of Brigitte Engerer.

Ingolf Wunder returns with a unique follow-up, 300, three centuries of piano styles – from Scarlatti to Morricone.

Ingolf Wunder adores fun, melodic pieces that demand exceptional flair and virtuosity – 300 will attract all piano fans. He links pieces by Liszt, Rachmaninov, and Scriabin (among others) to Horowitz’s own landmark homage, Danse excentrique and extends the lineage to late 20th-century pieces such as his own arrangement of hits like John Williams’s "Star Wars (theme)" – and Morricone’s "Playing Love" from the film, The Legend of 1900.

The perfect follow-up to Chopin by presenting another facet of this exceptional pianist, who was the audience favourite at the 2010 Chopin Competition – his Deutsche Grammophon debut Chopin album was acclaimed worldwide: ". . . an extremely elegant and polished affair" (Los Angeles Times)

On this new disc, Maxim Rysanov and Ashley Wass present works illustrating the striking affinity between the timbre of the viola and the colours in French music.

The disc includes arrangements of music by Ravel, Fauré and Debussy: Alongside two Pavanes, the programme includes perennial favourites such as Après un rêve and Clair de lune.

Rysanov and Wass also perform two contemporary pieces by the Swiss-French composer Richard Dubugnon. Incantatio and Lied, both for viola and piano, are adaptations by the composer of existing works made especially for Maxim Rysanov.

For BIS Rysanov has previously recorded a solo disc with three of Bach’s cello suites and his own arrangement for viola and orchestra of Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations.

Exquis! Stephen Hough presents an enchanting programme of French music, played with the filigree perfection and total command of the music’s expressive world that make him one of the most admired pianists of today. In typical Houghian style this recital is full of surprises and lesser-known gems from the repertoire, as well as works by the masters Fauré, Ravel, Debussy and Poulenc. A particular delight is Hough’s own arrangement of the Massenet song Crépuscule, a ravishing exercise in creative yet faithful transcription. This release is both a tribute to the lyric genius which flowered in nineteenth- and twentieth-century France, and a glimpse into the musical mind of a great pianist.

Classical Music doesn’t get much more exciting than this! With the help of wonderful music (some familiar, some new) this collection encourages children to experience the fantastic array of world music styles and colourful portrayals of foreign lands in Classical Music. Featuring music from Debussy, Johann Strauss II, Copland and many others this selection will have kids thrilled with recreations of the American Wild West, learning the Jamaican Rumba, waltzing in Vienna and exploring the Steppes of Central Asia!

A fully illustrated 44 page booklet presents an adventure-filled journey around the world challenging the reader to listen, see and recreate the wonders of the countries they visit. The text is designed to be read either by an older child of 5 or 6 or with an adult for the younger children. The writer is Sarah Breeden noted for the fun and informative programmes she has written for the BBC Children’s Proms.

As the 19th century faded and the 20th century began, something special was in the air: the scent of decadence mingled with the thrill of the new.

Moving from Romanticism to Modernism, creative spirits welcomed diverse influences – some of them exotic – and introduced new textures and colours to their work. Whether first heard in Paris, Vienna or London, the music of the Belle Époque was typically sensuous, elegant and perfumed – and full of subtle delights.