Les Vents Francais – Moderniste (2019) [FLAC 24bit/96kHz]

Modern: Designating the most innovative forms of art in a given period, particularly those of the 20th century. This definition from the French Larousse Dictionary explains the performers’ choice of title – Modernistes – for this new anthology of music for wind instruments: what draws the attention in these works – in different ways at different times and in different fields – are their innovative, progressive and adventurous qualities. Four of the composers featured on this album can legitimately be associated with what is very broadly known as Modernism, referring to the general proliferation of new ideas and new musical aesthetics at the turn of the 20th century and beyond. As for the two works by Philippe Hersant and Thierry Escaich, they call on us to reflect on what modernity means to us today. And, while it is easy to set Modernism in opposition to traditionalism, it is also interesting to distinguish between a composer’s personality and his or her approach to composing.

Tracklist:
1. Milhaud: Sonata for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet & Piano, Op. 47: I. Tranquille 06:38
2. Milhaud: Sonata for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet & Piano, Op. 47: II. Joyeux 03:11
3. Milhaud: Sonata for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet & Piano, Op. 47: III. Emporté 01:47
4. Milhaud: Sonata for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet & Piano, Op. 47: IV. Douloureux 05:42
5. Jolivet: Serenade for Wind Quintet: I. Cantilene 04:14
6. Jolivet: Serenade for Wind Quintet: II. Caprice 03:37
7. Jolivet: Serenade for Wind Quintet: III. Intermèd e03:48
8. Jolivet: Serenade for Wind Quintet: IV. Marche Burlesque 05:12
9. Magnard: Quintet for Piano & Winds, Op. 8: I. Sombre 08:14
10. Magnard: Quintet for Piano & Winds, Op. 8: II. Tendre 07:36
11. Magnard: Quintet for Piano & Winds, Op. 8: III. Leger 05:12
12. Magnard: Quintet for Piano & Winds, Op. 8: IV. Joyeux 10:45
13. Hersant: Sextet for Piano & Winds, “Osterlied” 13:43
14. Nielsen: Wind Quintet, Op. 43: I. Allegro ben moderato 08:07
15. Nielsen: Wind Quintet, Op. 43: II. Menuetto 04:27
16. Nielsen: Wind Quintet, Op. 43: III. Praeludium (Adagio) 01:46
17. Nielsen: Wind Quintet, Op. 43: IV. Tema con variazioni 09:08
18. Escaich: “Mecanic song” for Wind Quintet & Piano 11:38