Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Robert and Gaby Casadesus


Debussy: Petite Suite, En blanc et noir; *Faure: Dolly Suite; R. Casadesus: Three Mediterranean Dances; Satie: Three Pieces in the Form of a Pear
Robert and Gaby Casadesus (pianos)
Columbia Masterworks Portrait MPK 52527 | Stereo, *Mono ADD

An outstanding album of some four hand and two piano repertoire played by two of France's greatest pianists. Robert and Gaby Casadesus both knew men like Debussy, Ravel, Satie, and others as friends and colleagues and their playing radiates joy born out of a secure sense of how this music must sound. Robert, in fact, had been Ravel's "ghost pianist" on all the piano rolls attributed to the composer. He also performed in the composer's place at many concerts during Ravel's 1927 American tour.

There is nothing much to add here except that for lovers of French piano music, listening to this recording is a must. Robert Casadesus' own composition wears out its welcome a little bit, but it passes quickly enough. Sonics are clear if a bit dry. Good, focused warm mono sound for the Faure.

3 comments:

  1. http://www.mediafire.com/?5nhmfmmmjzz

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  2. Wonderful - I just came across a laudatory reference to this recording of one of Debussy's most amazing works - among other delightful pieces - and hey presto found it here on your (as always) munificent blog! I admire Casadesus enormously (Mozart, Ravel, Debussy) but have never come across this before.

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  3. I have this photograph with inscription. The date appears to be in a different handwriting. I performed the Ravel Valses at Fontainebleau on 1965 with Robert on one side of the Pleyel and Nadia on the other. He made some marking in my score and I recall so readily his remarks about each Valse. Bill

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