Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)
Nocturnes Nos. 1-13 (1875-1921)
Barcarolles Nos. 1-13 (1880-1921)
Dolly Suite, Op. 56 (1893-1896)
Marc-André Hamelin (piano)
Cathy Fuller (2nd piano: Dolly Suite)
rec. 2022, St. Silas the Martyr, Kentish Town, London
Hyperion CDA68331/2 [2 CDs: 163]
Fauré’s piano music is some of the greatest written for the instrument. There are thirteen nocturnes, thirteen barcarolles, six impromptus and four valses-caprices, all composed over the course of a long career. In this new release from Hyperion, Marc-André Hamelin chooses to play the complete nocturnes and barcarolles. This survey, especially regarding the nocturnes, reveals the composer’s change in style over the years from the youthful, romantic style of his early years, where the spirit of Chopin is an abiding influence, through the middle year works, both dreamy and tortuously lyrical, to the late enigmatic years, where the textures become sparse, the mood introspective and the harmonies more advanced and adventurous.
The 13 nocturnes span a period of nearly 50 years. They fully illustrate the radical evolution music underwent from the end of the 19th to the beginning of the 20th centuries. The nocturnes capture Fauré’s most profound musical convictions. There’s abundant melodic interest in the early ones. Take No. 3, for example. Here Hamelin weaves the lithe and subtle melodies from one hand to the other, shaping the phrases with expressive sensitivity and allowing the music to simply speak for itself. In No. 6, which many regard as the most popular, I don’t think I’ve ever heard its poetic sentiments conveyed so eloquently. No. 7 has warmth, colour and expressivity. The last five nocturnes exemplify the composer’s late style, where the composer explores the limits of tonality. The final nocturne, No. 13 in B minor Op 119 dates from 1921, three years before the composer’s death. It’s a piece of tragic loss, and Hamelin unwraps all the sorrow and despair contained within. At times it sounds quite ethereal.
The barcarolles were penned between 1880 and 1821. As a group they present a formidable challenge in terms of technique, characterization and colour. Hamelin’s readings have all these positive qualities in abundance; he’s both a master of colour and invests each with its own individual character. Nos. 1 and 2 are fairly upbeat and exuberant, more so No. 2. No 6 has a graceful lilt and charm. The later barcarolles, Nos. 7, 9, 10, and 11, are all in minor keys and are more autumnal and even doleful at times. Perhaps it’s significant that ten years elapsed between No. 6 and No. 7, and Fauré had become more melancholic with age. These later scores are swathed in dark harmonic textures.
Hamelin is joined by Cathy Fuller in the Dolly Suite. The six pieces were written between 1893 and 1896 for the daughter of his mistress, Hélène Bardac, otherwise known as Dolly. The work is both irresistible and charming, especially the opening Berceuse, where the players bring out the warmth and tenderness of the music. Throughout, everything has a fresh appeal, is sensitive and elegant, and the precision and articulation the players achieve couldn’t be bettered.
Hamelin’s interpretations of these enriching scores certainly set the bar high. His playing is both lucid and refined, with a real feel for the idiom. He also fully exploits the piano’s wide range of dynamics and tonal color. The traversals of these two cycles is indeed impressive and they stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the finest in the catalogue, including those by Germaine Thyssens-Valentin, Jean Hubeau, Jean Doyen and Kathryn Stott. The sound quality is second to none, aided by a magnificent Steinway. Booklet notes, in English, French and German are by Jessica Duchen, who offers a fine analysis of the works performed. For those unfamiliar with Fauré’s piano music, this release is certainly as good a starting point as any.
Stephen Greenbank
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Contents
Nocturne No. 1 in E Flat Minor, Op. 33 No. 1
Nocturne No. 2 in B Major, Op. 33 No. 2
Nocturne No. 3 in A Flat Major, Op. 33 No. 3
Nocturne No. 4 in E Flat Major, Op. 36
Nocturne No. 5 in B Flat Major, Op. 37
Nocturne No. 6 in D Flat Major, Op. 63
Nocturne No. 7 in C Sharp Minor, Op. 74
Nocturne No. 8 in D Flat Major, Op. 84 No. 8
Nocturne No. 9 in B Minor, Op. 97
Nocturne No. 10 in E Minor, Op. 99
Nocturne No. 11 in F Sharp Minor, Op. 104 No. 1
Nocturne No. 12 in E Minor, Op. 107
Nocturne No. 13 in B Minor, Op.119
Barcarolle No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 26
Barcarolle No. 2 in G Major, Op. 41
Barcarolle No. 3 in G-Flat Major, Op. 42
Barcarolle No. 4 in A-Flat Major, Op. 44
Barcarolle No. 5 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 66
Barcarolle No. 6 in E-Flat Major, Op. 70
Barcarolle No. 7 in D Minor, Op. 90
Barcarolle No. 8 in D-Flat Major, Op. 96
Barcarolle No. 9 in A Minor, Op. 101
Barcarolle No. 10 in A Minor, Op. 104, No. 2
Barcarolle No. 11 in G Minor, Op. 105
Barcarolle No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 106
Barcarolle No. 13 in C Major, Op. 116
Dolly Suite, Op. 56
