Jacques Loussier – Impressions On Chopin’s Nocturnes (2004) {SACD ISO + FLAC 24bit/88,2kHz}

Jacques Loussier has made a career out of playing classical themes in a jazz setting. Born in France in 1934, he came to fame in the late 1950s with his Play Bach Trio, a group that stayed together 20 years, transforming the themes of Bach into creative and melodic jazz. Since then he has put together another trio in which he interprets not just the music of Bach but Beethoven, Debussy, Ravel, Satie and other classical giants. This set (which is subtitled Impressions on Chopin’s Nocturnes) is a bit of a departure in that Loussier performs Frédéric Chopin’s 21 nocturnes as unaccompanied piano solos. Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op, 9., No. 2 is the most famous of these melodies although a few of the other nocturnes may be familiar even to non-classical listeners. Generally Loussier states the right-hand melody while altering the patterns written for the left-hand, and then builds from there. The essence of Chopin’s music is retained while Loussier is free to improvise his own ideas based on the themes. Most of his interpretations are gentle and subtle while never neglecting the rich melodies, and the treatments are at times slightly reminiscent of early film music and ragtime. Classical purists may not love this approach but they should be thankful, for Jacques Loussier has consistently introduced the beauty of classical music to jazz listeners. This is a very enjoyable set.

Tracklist:
01. Chopin: Nocturne No. 1 in B-flat minor
02. Chopin: Nocturne No. 2 in E-flat major
03. Chopin: Nocturne No. 3 in B major
04. Chopin: Nocturne No. 4 in F major
05. Chopin: Nocturne No. 5 in F-sharp major
06. Chopin: Nocturne No. 6 in G minor
07. Chopin: Nocturne No. 7 in C-sharp minor
08. Chopin: Nocturne No. 8 in D-flat major
09. Chopin: Nocturne No. 9 in B major
10. Chopin: Nocturne No. 10 in A-flat major
11. Chopin: Nocturne No. 11 in G minor
12. Chopin: Nocturne No. 12 in G major
13. Chopin: Nocturne No. 13 in C minor
14. Chopin: Nocturne No. 14 in F-sharp minor
15. Chopin: Nocturne No. 15 in F minor
16. Chopin: Nocturne No. 16 in E-flat major
17. Chopin: Nocturne No. 17 in B major
18. Chopin: Nocturne No. 18 in E major
19. Chopin: Nocturne No. 19 in E minor
20. Chopin: Nocturne No. 20 in C-sharp minor
21. Chopin: Nocturne No. 21 in C minor