Classic Archive: The French Piano School DVD

UPC: 899132000817

Product Features

• Title: Classic Archive: The French Piano School
• Artists: Vlado Perlemuter, Yvonne Lefébure, Robert Casadesus
• Conductor: Jacques Beaudry
• Orchestra: Orchestre Philharmonique de l'ORTF
• Language: French
• Subtitles: English
• Run Time: Approx. 120 minutes
• TV Format: NTSC 4:3
• Audio: Original Mono Sound
• Publisher: Medici Arts

Overview

This Classic Archive DVD features three distinguished figures from the French Piano School, offering a unique glimpse into their legendary performances. The DVD captures historic interpretations of master composers like Ravel, Beethoven, Chopin, and Fauré, delivered by piano virtuosos Vlado Perlemuter, Yvonne Lefébure, and Robert Casadesus.

The recording of Vlado Perlemuter stands out as he performs Ravel’s challenging Piano Concerto for the Left Hand under the direction of Jacques Beaudry, showcasing his close connection to the composer. Yvonne Lefébure, a master interpreter of Beethoven, gives a compelling rendition of Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110. Lastly, Robert Casadesus, known for his affinity for French composers, presents selections from Fauré’s Thème et variations, performed during an intimate recital in his home.

The DVD also includes rare performances by Hephzibah Menuhin, playing Schubert's Valses nobles, and Dino Ciani, performing Chopin's Nocturne in E major.

Interesting Facts

• Vlado Perlemuter was closely associated with Ravel and worked directly with him on several pieces, making his performance of Piano Concerto for the Left Hand especially authentic.
• Yvonne Lefébure was a renowned interpreter of Beethoven and collaborated with notable musicians like Sándor Végh, with whom she recorded the complete Sonatas for Piano and Violin.
• Robert Casadesus was highly regarded for his interpretation of French composers like Debussy, Chabrier, and Fauré. His home recital featured in this DVD was recorded shortly before his death in 1971.
• The bonus performances by Hephzibah Menuhin and Dino Ciani are gems, showcasing their unique interpretations of classical piano repertoire.

Track Listing

Vlado Perlemuter

1. Ravel – Piano Concerto for the Left Hand
   Performed with Orchestre Philharmonique de l'ORTF under Jacques Beaudry
   Filmed at La Maison de la Radio, Paris, 29 January 1966

2. Ravel – Le Tombeau de Couperin: Toccata
   Filmed in London, 4 June 1964

3. Chopin – Étude in A minor, Op. 25 No. 11
   Filmed in London, 4 June 1964

4. Chopin – Mazurka in A minor, Op. 17 No. 4
   Filmed in London, 4 June 1964

Yvonne Lefébure

1. Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 31 in A flat major, Op. 110
   Filmed in Paris, 26 April 1963

Robert Casadesus

1. Fauré – Thème et variations, Op. 73 (Excerpts)
   Filmed at Robert Casadesus's home, 1971

Bonus Tracks

1. Hephzibah Menuhin – Schubert: Twelve Waltzes for Piano, D969 "Valses nobles"
   Filmed in Paris, 11 August 1968

2. Dino Ciani – Chopin: Nocturne in E major, Op. 62 No. 2
   Filmed in Paris, 21 November 1967

Publishers

• Medici Arts
• BBC

Hashtags

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