Marie Jaëll probably represents the most authoritative and accomplished expression of the nineteenth-century woman musician. In spite of her coming from the provinces and despite the heavy social restrictions imposed on artists of her gender, she nonetheless succeeded in being recognized as a virtuoso, a composer and as a teacher. Support from her husband the Austrian pianist Alfred Jaëll greatly contributed to the positive reception of her initial works for the piano, but it was by herself, armed with her talent and her resolve in the latter part of her life, that she faced up to the Parisian hurly-burly in which she proved herself to be one of its distinctive figures. While her learning method is still taught in various different countries, little interest thus far has been shown in her music, which in the greater part is held in the Bibliothèque Nationale et Universitaire in Strasbourg. Formidable and ambitious symphonic works are revealed on this book-cd as well as a significant facet of her compositions for the piano.
W**E
Another revealing album from Edicions Singulars
First, I really like this label and their recordings of forgotten composers or works. There aren't a lot of female composers, and after listening to this several times, I have to wonder why. The first disc is ordinary. There is pleasant background music, but not much else. On the second disc are 2 Piano Concertos that are fun to listen to, and I suspect will make their way to the Hyperion Romantic Piano Concerto series one day. They require lots of flashy technic: and while they don't have the sweeping melodies the more famous works from this period have, they are more showstoppers meant to dazzle the listener. It is something you would expect Lang Lang to play with his great abilities but silly smile (sorry, but a CD is the only way I can enjoy his playing). The 3rd disc is more like the Grieg Lyric Pieces - short, varied, and come in a wide range of styles. Even a little bit of 20th Century tonalities creep in. The set of waltzes at the beginning is the best part. A very enjoyable album.
D**N
Excellent!
Three very well recorded disks - well played. The package includes a detailed French-English book giving history and musical commentary. A wonderful set of a lesser known but extremely talented composer! A must of the serious classical collector.
H**E
Pour amateur averti
Vraiment sympa pour faire la découverte de cette artiste moins connue.
P**.
Marie JAËLL, une compositrice française à découvrir absolument !
ce livre-album 3 cd de Marie JAËLL est une très bonne occasion.
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