Review: LCO Live 4 (Classic FM Magazine)
November 1, 2011
Ravel, Fauré, Poulenc, Ibert
★★★★☆
Le Tombeau de Couperin, Pavane (Ravel); Pavane (Fauré); Piano Concerto (Poulenc); Divertissement (Ibert)
Pascal Rogé (pf), London Chamber Orchestra/Christopher Warren-Green
Orchestra | Signum SIGCD211
The Music
French music seems more susceptible than most to broad brush generalizations about style and tone, but whilst all four composers featured here are late-Romantics, the music is more varied than you’d expect – from the wistful Pavanes to the outrageous brashness of Ibert and the principal work, Poulenc’s Piano Concerto.
The Performance
Live concert recordings aren’t always successful, but with this programme of combined charm and exuberance, the London Chamber Orchestra deliver a crowd pleaser. Pascal Rogé has become something of a Poulenc expert, and his sympathetic yet witty playing makes sense of Poulenc’s profusion of ideas in the centerpiece Piano Concerto, getting the right balance between fun and musical sophistication. The works by Ravel and Fauré – both takes on the Pavane – benefit from the warm and expressive orchestral playing – before everyone gets into the spirit of Ibert’s crazy chaotic world.
The Verdict
Here’s a recording guaranteed to put a smile on your face! Enthusiastic and fun, yet with touching, tender moments and a clever awareness of the music’s irony, the London Chamber Orchestra delivers a witty, exuberant collection.
Want More?
On the strength of this CD, I’d be tempted to try others in the LCO Live series (Signum Classics).
© Jane Jones