Charles Bordes, the composer, was educated by Jesuits who introduced him to Gregorian and polyphonic chant, and later studied piano, harmony, counterpoint, and organ with César Franck.
Compositional Technique
The 'tempo zortzico,' a curious 3+2 rhythm directly inherited from Bordes's research into Basque folklore, is used in the Caprice à cinq temps and Fantaisie rythmique I.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bordes's research into traditional Basque song, which he undertook on a mission in 1889, significantly influenced his entire musical output.
Critical Reception
César Franck, Bordes's teacher, considered him and Henri Duparc to be among the 'geniuses' he had trained.
Performer Biography
François-René Duchâble, the pianist on this recording, retired from the concert stage in 2003 to perform for audiences who rarely have access to music or in natural settings.
Composition History
Bordes dedicated his Cinq Pièces for solo piano to his sister-in-law, Léontine Bordes-Pène, a virtuoso pianist whose career was cut short by multiple sclerosis.
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