Search - Cecile Chaminade, Peter Jacobs :: Piano Music by Cécile Chaminade, Vol. 1

A nice discovery

Peter Chordas | Portland, OR USA | 02/29/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Most people do not know of Cecile Chaminade. A musicologist brought her to my attention when we were having a discussion on French composers and I was talking about Eric Satie and Bizet. Upon his recommendation and my curiosity, I bought this disc and found it to be quite beautiful.



Chaminade was interested in music at an early age but her father disapproved of her musical studies. She did start to write for piano and played some of her pieces for Bizet who was quite impressed by it. She eventually gained success and recognition in France but was all but forgotten after her death in 1944. In the past 15 years, her work has been resurrected. There is definitely a Chopin influence but also her own solon style.



This is a very beautiful rendition of her piano pieces. Peter Jacobs plays skillfully and beautifully. There is full expression in her "Solitude" and "L'Ondine." The recording is clear and crisp. His interpretations are well emotionally satisfying; both somber and vivacious depending on the piece.



It is great to hear that there were more female composers and pianists besides Clara Schumann during a time when women were not allowed to exhibit there talents to the degree they get to do now. This CD will satisfy most classical music lovers."