Album insights
Born on May 23, 1912, in Le Mans where his father served as the Director of the Conservatory, Jean Françaix underwent extensive composition training under Nadia Boulanger. With his music described as precise and enviable, Françaix's works across various genres reflect both expertise in composition and remarkable humility. The CD's presenting Françaix's three scores notably showcase his prized talent of precision, encapsulating only what needs to be said with just the right notes.
In 1930, at the Paris Conservatoire, Françaix claimed the first prize in piano. At the age of 22, he premiered his Concertino for Piano and Orchestra during a Lamoureux concert in Paris on December 15, 1934. This intricate work, marked by a lively Moto perpetuo movement and a graceful slow movement, remains one of his most renowned pieces. The Concertino exudes an elegant and playful style, portraying Françaix's skillful craftsmanship.
The ballet "Les malheurs de Sophie," rooted in a popular 1859 French children's book, tells the misadventures of a restless girl named Sophie. Through her mischievous acts, Sophie constantly finds herself in troubled situations where her cousin, Paul, often comes to her rescue. The narrative of Sophie's escapades was transformed into Françaix's third ballet, resonating with warmth and childlike creativity.
While not defined as a ballet in Françaix's catalog, "Les bosquets de Cythère" serves as a waltz suite capturing post-war French musical essence. Drawing inspiration from the isle of Cythera, known for its associations with love, the suite mirrors the carefree spirit of French music. Incorporating modern elements into the suite's depiction of ancient themes, Françaix's composition exudes irony and vivid imagery, taking the listener on a whimsical journey through a blend of past and present influences.