Gouvy: Cantate, œuvres symphoniques et musique de chambre (P

There’s not a single work here that will not captivate you with its breathtaking beauty. Each volume in the "Portraits" series is devoted to a French composer who has now largely been forgotten; it presents a panorama of his works, performed by many artists from various backgrounds. Torn between France and Germany during his lifetime as a result of the turbulent political situation in his native Lorraine, Theodore Gouvy was recognized by neither nation after his death. The music of this composer, inspired by the passionate style of Mendelssohn, magnified by the nobility of French academicism, is nevertheless of great importance. This CD-book presents a significant selection of his works - for the most part never heard before - along with biographical information, excerpts from letters, and articles discussing the composer's style and personality. REVIEW: For most of the works on these three discs these are first recordings. As far as I can tell, only the Piano Trio No. 4 in a performan