Composer: Robert Casadesus
Works: Violin Sonata No. 1 (1927), Violin Sonata No. 2 (1941), Suite for Two Violins (1944), Hommage à Chausson (1955)
Performers: Fritz Gearhart (violin), John Owings (piano), Kathryn Lucktenberg (violin; Suite only)
Recording: Beall Hall, University of Oregon School of Music, 20-22 March 2000, 14 June 2000
Label: KOCH INTERNATIONAL CLASSICS KIC-CD-7528
Robert Casadesus, primarily recognized as a preeminent pianist of the 20th century, often finds his compositional output overshadowed by his illustrious performances of the Mozart piano concertos. This recording of selected works offers an illuminating perspective on his native Gallic idiom, showcasing a composer whose style resonates with the elegance and buoyancy found in the works of Ravel rather than the impressionistic complexities of Debussy. Each piece encapsulates a distinct period of Casadesus’s creative arc, weaving a narrative that is both introspective and joyous, a delightful reflection of the Mediterranean sun.
The Violin Sonata No. 1, dedicated to Casadesus’s mentor, Marie-François Emmanuel, unfurls with a lyrical grace that evokes a sense of smiling nostalgia. The opening Allegro is characterized by its buoyant melodies, rich in harmonic color, while the subsequent movements engage in a playful dialogue, underscoring the composer’s penchant for melodic inventiveness. Gearhart and Owings breathe life into this work, their interplay marked by a palpable sense of camaraderie and spontaneity. The sonorous blend of violin and piano is well balanced, with the violin’s singing line elegantly soaring above the piano’s supportive texture.
In contrast, the Second Sonata, composed in 1941, emerges with a more modern sensibility, its jazzy undertones reflecting the era’s cultural shifts. The Allegretto and Allegro molto movements exhibit a rhythmic vitality reminiscent of Constant Lambert’s works, infused with a distinct French character that dances through the air, buoyed by syncopated rhythms and light-hearted motifs. Gearhart’s interpretation here showcases a deft command of both technical precision and expressive nuance, particularly in the lively exchanges that define the Allegro molto, where the violin weaves in and out of the piano’s energetic fabric with remarkable agility.
Casadesus’s Suite for Two Violins, performed here by Gearhart and Lucktenberg, presents a charming array of six movements that traverse various moods, culminating in the spirited Hoe-Down finale. This piece, while grounded in seriousness, does not shy away from moments of whimsy and humor, particularly evident in the playful exchanges and the peppery nature of the finale, which invites a sense of jubilant celebration. The performers navigate the intricacies of the textures with skill, rendering the work’s lighter sections with an infectious zest.
The recording of the Hommage à Chausson, a tribute marking the centenary of the great French composer, captures both the introspective and the exuberant. Initially, it unfolds as a melancholic meditation, using the notes C-H-A-U-S-S-O-N to inspire its thematic development. However, it quickly transitions into a vibrant scherzo that encapsulates a more extroverted spirit. The performers imbue this work with an electrifying energy, particularly in the tripartite structure that allows for dynamic contrasts, effectively showcasing Casadesus’s ability to blend homage with his unique voice.
The engineering quality of this recording merits commendation; the clarity and warmth of the sound enhance the rich textures of Casadesus’s music, allowing the listener to appreciate the intricate interplay between the instruments. The attention to detail in the recording process reflects Koch’s commitment to high standards, echoing the quality found in their previous releases.
This collection not only reaffirms Casadesus’s stature as a composer deserving of greater recognition but also highlights the exceptional interpretative skills of Gearhart and Owings, whose performances resonate with vibrant energy and sensitivity. The interplay of light and shadow within these pieces mirrors the sun-drenched landscapes of southern France, inviting listeners into a world of elegant simplicity and lyrical grace. Such a recording serves as an inviting portal into the charming musical landscape of Casadesus, affirming that his works merit a place alongside the greats of the French repertoire.
