Composer: Charles-Valentin Alkan
Works: Esquisses Op. 63 (1861)
Performers: Laurent Martin, piano
Recording: Recorded in Heidelberg in 1990 DDD Stereo
Label: NAXOS 8.555496
The music of Charles-Valentin Alkan, a figure often overshadowed by his contemporaries, emerges as a labyrinthine exploration of the Romantic spirit in his Esquisses Op. 63. Composed in 1861, this collection of forty-nine brief yet intricate pieces showcases Alkan’s idiosyncratic genius, blending virtuosity with a penchant for vivid character portrayal. As a pianist-composer, Alkan invites listeners into a world where the fleeting sketches of his imagination defy the conventional expectations of both form and duration, allowing for a rich tapestry of musical ideas that are as engaging as they are diverse.
Laurent Martin’s interpretation is a tour de force, revealing a deep affinity for the nuances of Alkan’s language. Each piece, from the frenetic exchanges between Heraclitus and Democritus to the hypnotic textures of Ressouvenir, is imbued with a distinct character, brought to life through Martin’s meticulous attention to detail. His approach to the “Increpatio” movement captures the uncanny volatility of the music, characterized by sudden contrasts and dynamic shifts that morph the listener’s perception in just over a minute. This is a performance that is not merely about technical prowess but rather an evocative storytelling that resonates with the listener’s imagination.
The recording quality of this NAXOS release is exceptional, presenting the piano with startling realism. The close miking creates an immersive experience where the instrument’s resonances and the pianist’s breath become palpable, encouraging an intimate connection with the music. The sound engineers have captured the full spectrum of the piano’s tonal palette, allowing the listener to appreciate both the delicate filigree and the thunderous clusters characteristic of Alkan’s writing. This level of clarity is particularly apparent in movements such as “Les diablotins,” where the intricate layers of tone clusters echo the complexity of Nancarrow’s rhythmic experiments, but with a distinctly Romantic flair.
When compared to other recordings of Alkan’s work, Martin’s performance stands out not only for its technical execution but also for its interpretative depth. While some pianists may opt for a more straightforward, virtuosic rendering, Martin embraces the composer’s eccentricities, imbuing each sketch with a sense of spontaneity that feels both fresh and historically grounded. The movements labeled “Toccata” and “Scherzetto” exemplify this virtuosity, showcasing Alkan’s command of rapid figuration and contrasting moods, yet Martin manages to maintain a coherent narrative across these disparate pieces.
This disc is not simply a collection of short movements; it is a profound exploration of the human experience as filtered through Alkan’s unique lens. The Esquisses Op. 63, with its kaleidoscopic variety and emotional depth, emerges as a significant work in the piano repertoire. Laurent Martin’s interpretation, supported by NAXOS’s exemplary sound engineering, offers an essential listening experience for both novices and seasoned aficionados alike. The combination of historical insight, technical mastery, and evocative performance makes this recording a landmark in the revival of Alkan’s music, ensuring that it occupies a rightful place in the concert repertoire and in the hearts of listeners.
