Cras's mature style, evident in works like 'Soir' from the Élégies, features modality, parallel ninths, plagal cadences, and a distinctive diminished seventh chord with appoggiatura.
Compositional Technique
The Élégies anticipate Cras's opera Polyphème, his absolute masterpiece, and share its atmosphere, particularly in the love scene of 'Désir'.
Compositional Technique
The use of pentatonism in L'Offrande lyrique and Fontaines brings a 'Celtic note' to Cras's music, reflecting a common trait between Eastern and Celtic musical traditions.
Performer Biography
Ingrid Perruche, a soprano on this recording, was named 'Lyric Artist Revelation of the Year' at the Victoires de la musique classique awards ceremony.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Jean Cras's L'Offrande lyrique highlights the mystical dimension of his personality, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore's texts and their deep affinities with Christian thought.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Cras's Élégies, based on texts by Albert Samain, marked a turning point in his style, moving away from a formal 'highbrow' approach towards greater freedom and richness of writing.
Composer Biography
Jean Cras, the composer, was a profound believer whose mysticism drew him towards other Symbolist figures like Saint-Pol-Roux and Rémy de Gourmont.
