Fauré & Debussy Nocturnes & Études

Debussy Etudes etc
Noriko Ogawa

BIS CD 1105

Fauré nocturnes
Charles Owen

Avie AV 2133

Both these collections are clearly inspired by Chopin's and are worthy successors to his masterpieces.

The 13 Fauré nocturnes span 1875-1921 and range in style from the romantic and effusive earlier ones to austere, reserved later examples . They are well suited by Charles Owen's rather cool style and are worth getting to know thoroughly.

The two books of Debussy's Études, half a dozen each, are amongst the peaks of his oeuvre and worthy sequels to Chopin's own two sets of twelve each. Their difficulties have spurred many pianists to great achievements, and Noriko Ogawa stands high amongst her rivals. Her double-CD includes the first version of 'Pour les arpeges' realized by Roy Howat, whose complete Debussy Piano Music recordings we have reviewed; I love them though some find them cool, which is pehaps less appropriate than for Fauré. Ogawa has important 'extras', the refined Epigraphes antiques which Debussy was able to transcribe for piano solo from his original duet version without losing a single note. Charming.

The two sets go well played in tandem, as do Chopin's. Both are recommended.

Peter Grahame Woolf

P.S. I have returned to this Fauré disc which, as I recall, had not met with universal approval (I have been unable to access Gramofile which seems to have been off-line for some time?). I found it as rewarding as before.

Fauré remains perhaps somewhat an acquired taste. I think the problem lies with people who do not hear and appreciate the specialness of Fauré's unique harmony, which speaks so eloquently that his music is not improved by 'beefing it up' emotionally, which Owen scrupulously avoids doing.

The booklet indicates that this was a very personal project, a labour of love, with the piano "chosen and hired by Charles Owen" who owns "the original sound recording etc", implying that he put a lot of his own money into it.

I hope it is selling well.
PGW

BBC Music Magazine, April 2003: - - “his refusal to sentimentalise is enormously refreshing and his touch… little short of magical."

Fanfare: - - Charles Owen's way with the nocturnes - unaffectedly straightforward, rhythmically steady (but breathing and ncver rigid or inncxiblc), the pedal sparingly used, allowing a light touch (graciously deft in animated passages) to articulate with absolute clarity - - making for a disarming simplicity - - Avie captures Owen closely, at thc optimal point where clarity flares into spaciousncss. Exemplary. Classic. Spellbinding - -