Album Review: Sunflower Sea – The Piano Works of Déodat de Séverac
Composer: Déodat de Séverac (1873-1921)
Performer: Izumi Tateno (piano)
Recording: Kokkola, Finland, 5th-8th June 2001
Label: FINLANDIA 8573-87181-2 CDs
Total Duration: 144:01
Released: November 2001
In the kaleidoscopic realm of French piano music, Déodat de Séverac occupies a unique and often overlooked niche, where the pastoral sensibilities of late-Romanticism coalesce with the burgeoning Impressionistic idiom. This double album, featuring the complete piano works of Séverac, provides a substantial platform for an exploration of his artistic voice, deftly interpreted by pianist Izumi Tateno, whose affinity for Séverac’s lyrical language is evident throughout.
Séverac’s oeuvre is deeply rooted in the textures and rhythms of the Roussillon landscape, and Tateno’s performance captures this essence with remarkable sensitivity. The composer’s works, particularly the suite Le Chant de la Terre, serve as a sound portrait of rural life, encapsulating the cyclical nature of agrarian existence. The opening movement, Prologue, introduces an atmospheric quality reminiscent of the gentle undulations of the countryside, where the listener is invited to engage with the sounds of nature—an invitation Tateno graciously accepts with a delicate touch and an ear for nuance.
One cannot overlook the influence of his contemporaries, notably Isaac Albéniz, whose Spanish flair resonates in pieces such as Cerdaña. Here, Tateno navigates the intricate rhythmic patterns with a lightness that recalls the folkloric elements of Iberian music, while also echoing the broader Romantic spirit of Ravel. The work’s seamless transitions between buoyant melodies and reflective passages are executed with finesse, illuminating the intricate interplay of light and shadow that Séverac so adeptly conjures.
The collection also features En Vacances, a delightful suite that evokes childhood memories. Tateno’s interpretation of Où l’on entend une vieille boîte à musique stands out for its charming detail, wherein she captures the mechanical delicacy of a music box with an exquisite balance of playfulness and nostalgia. This attention to character is a hallmark of Tateno’s playing; her ability to conjure vivid imagery through sound enhances Séverac’s narrative intentions, allowing the listener to experience a rich tapestry of emotions.
In Le Chant de la Terre, the piece evolves through distinct sections that parallel the agricultural cycle. Tateno’s phrasing in Les Semailles conveys both the toil and the beauty of planting, while the subsequent intermezzo, Conte à la Veillée, offers a poignant contrast, characterized by tender lyricism. Tateno’s ability to shift from the vigorous to the contemplative showcases her understanding of Séverac’s stylistic duality.
Recording quality plays a pivotal role in the listener’s experience, and the engineering on this release merits commendation. The clarity and warmth of the piano sound allow for the myriad of subtleties in Tateno’s interpretation to shine through, from the gentle caress of the keys in Les Baigneuses au Soleil to the more assertive passages in Ménétriers et Glaneuses. Each note resonates with an authenticity that reflects both the performer’s skill and the thoughtful production values of the label.
Historically, Séverac’s work deserves greater recognition, particularly in its bid to capture the spirit of rural France through a musical lens. His integration of folk elements, such as Pyrenees motifs, alongside a nuanced understanding of the French Romantic tradition, positions him as a significant figure worthy of exploration in both concert and recording settings. Tateno’s thoughtful interpretations in this collection invite a re-evaluation of Séverac’s contributions to the piano repertoire.
In conclusion, Izumi Tateno’s performance of Déodat de Séverac’s piano works is a compelling testament to the composer’s unique voice. By marrying robust musicality with an intuitive grasp of the pastoral essence permeating Séverac’s music, Tateno not only honors the composer’s legacy but also illuminates the beauty of his rural portraits. This recording is a valuable addition to the catalog of French piano music, one that both aficionados and newcomers alike will appreciate for its evocative beauty and intricate detail.
