Emmanuel Chabrier, born in 1841, died prematurely in 1894 from a neurological disease that deprived him of his faculties in his final months.
Composition History
Chabrier only dedicated himself to music full-time later in life, after studying law and working as a civil servant, abandoning his career at the Ministry of the Interior in 1880.
Composer Biography
Chabrier, a friend of notable artists like Verlaine, Manet, and Renoir, was also a noted art collector.
Performer Biography
Emmanuel Strosser, the pianist on this recording, was a prizewinner at the Florence International Chamber Music Competition and a finalist in the 1991 Clara Haskil Competition.
Critical Reception
Chabrier's Pièces pittoresques were admired by Debussy, but some rivals, scornful of his self-taught status, detected 'stylistic improprieties' in them.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Despite his admiration for Wagner, Chabrier's music is characterized by a sunny mood that contrasts with Wagner's pessimism.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at La Ferme de Villefavard in the Limousin region, a venue known for its exceptional acoustics designed by international acoustician Albert Yaying Xu.
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