Antony Gray’s set of the complete piano music of Francis Poulenc is, to paraphrase Orwell, more complete than others. Besides the many pieces written expressly for solo piano it contains Poulenc’s music accompanying the story of Barbar the Elephant (sans narration) and several transcriptions of other works including the Sonata for Two Clarinets, the Sonata for Horn, Trumpet and Trombone, and the ballet Les Animeaux Modèles. The latter was arranged by the composer, so it is more than a mere piano reduction for rehearsal purposes. There is also an arrangement of Mozart’s Musical Joke. Hence, five CDs as opposed to Pascal Rogé’s three. Gray has previously given us welcome surveys of piano music by Eugene Goossens and Malcolm Williamson, but here he enters a highly competitive field. Beginning with the composer himself (who recorded the Mouvements Perpétuels, the Two Novelettes and a selection of Nocturnes and Improvisations in the 1920s and 30s), many extensive selections of Poulenc’s piano music have appeared. Among French pianists are the composer’s friend and duo-piano partner Jacques Février, Gabriel Tacchino, Rogé, and more recently Éric Le Sage. Poulenc’s light touch is compelling;… Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a…
December 22, 2015
Air conditioning and G strings and plane travel! Oh My! Here are the truths all string players will recognise.
December 18, 2015
The decision to discontinue the prestigious national award was made by the six CEOs of Australia’s major State orchestras. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
December 18, 2015
The country’s most prestigious national platform for young classical musicians is to be immediately discontinued. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
December 17, 2015
Have yourself a merry little Christmas, and “Bah, humbug!” to Il Divo.
December 16, 2015
Limelight’s Recording of the Year heads a bumper edition to take you into 2016. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
December 16, 2015
John Williams’ score for the Sci-fi movie franchise has inspired some bold and bizarre reimaginings. We look at some of the best. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
December 14, 2015
We reveal ten truths that those who tread the career path of a composer will know all too well.
December 11, 2015
Media recluse he may be, but Sokolov in Salzburg is a definite must-have for all piano aficionados. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
December 10, 2015
The critics have spoken and the results are in. Here are Limelight's five top recordings of 2015.
December 9, 2015
The 23-year-old guitarist from Canberra has just won one of Europe’s most prestigious prizes. We take a look at his future plans. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
December 9, 2015
The chart-topping king of the Viennese waltz boasts a global following of millions, but how does his latest record measure up? Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
December 9, 2015
