Chopin Szymanowski
After a first Brahms recital that made a great impression (Alpha 851) and Mozart concertos (Alpha 1039) praised by the press for their naturalness (Gramophone) and fluidity (Le Monde), Jonathan Fournel, winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition at the age of 27 and now an important figure on the international stage, has decided to record a programme that he has already performed extensively in concert: "I like Chopin's 3rd Sonata because the melodic lines don't need any embellishments, they're already beautiful — in the same way that the Mona Lisa doesn’t need any make-up. The same is true for Szymanowski's more virtuoso pieces. Szymanowski is somewhat like Scriabin, who underwent a remarkable evolution throughout his life as a composer. Drawing inspiration from Chopin’s Romanticism while also embracing the depth and intrigue of Wagner, he ventured into a more dance-like style, at times even evoking a Viennese character. I love this because it allows for very different and distinct explorations within the works of both composers, and that’s what I appreciate about them. Every element matters and expresses something, regardless of the style.
“A masterstroke”
– Pascal Brissaud Ecrepont, Classica“Fournel is shaping up to be one of the most exciting personalities on the young contemporary piano scene”
– Bertrand Boissard, Diapason“Sumptuously recorded in the legendary hall of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Jonathan Fournel's latest album is a real tour de force.”
– Melissa Khong, Pianiste
Mozart • Piano concertos n°18 & 21
« Bravo Mozart ! » exclaimed Emperor Joseph II as he stood up and tipped his hat at the end of the first performance of Piano Concerto No. 18 KV 456, played by Mozart himself on 30 September 1784. Less than a year later, the composer pens his iconic 21st concerto, which is performed here by the Mozarteumorchester Salzburg conducted by Howard Griffiths, and pianist Jonathan Fournel. Winner of the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition in 2021, the French pianist has already made a Brahms recording for Alpha (ALPHA851). At the age of 30, he is developing a highly promising career, impressing audiences at every one of his concerts.
“Featuring 2021 Queen Elisabeth Competition winner Fournel, this pairing of two of Mozart's most winning piano concertos has real pedigree ... Fournel's keyboard is precise and muscular. Speeds are driven in a vibrant and cheerful recording.”
– BBC Music Magazine“His sharp, refined playing is ideally suited to these Mozart concertos. The piano’s luminous tone enhances the clear narrative being woven here. There’s fire under Jonathan Fournel’s fingers, but it’s the fire of an artisan shaping glass, a master glassmaker of Mozartian arabesques.”
– Pierre Solot, Musiq3“Mozart seems to be a natural fit for him, and he gives readings of these two concertos that are stylish and well-turned, without any hint of indulgence...”
– Gramophone“Chamber-like yet breathing the open air, lyrical without sinking into romanticism, youthful yet already majestic, this Mozart is as true as it is enchanting.”
– Eric Dahan, Libération
Franck • Complete Chamber Music
In the domain of chamber music, César Franck is mainly remembered for his three mature masterpieces: the Violin Sonata, the Piano Quintet and the String Quartet. However, right from his early days in Paris, the young piano virtuoso wrote and performed a number of compositions, chiefly keyboard trios, which were published as his op. 1 and earned him a favourable opinion from Franz Liszt! The masters of the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel and their artists in residence now invite us to enjoy the first complete recording of this set.
“One of the most vibrant tributes from the Franco-Belgian scene to a composer who was no less so. My favourite of the week.”
– Thierry Hillériteau, Le Figaro“Excellent sound recording and a detailed booklet round off this boxed set, which is exemplary in every way.”
– Jean-Michel Molkhou, Diapason
Brahms • piano sonata n°3, Handel Variations
The pianist Jonathan Fournel, recent prizewinner of the prestigious 2021 Queen Elisabeth Competition (where he won not only the Queen Elisabeth Grand Prix, but also the Queen Mathilde Prize, the Musiq3 Audience Prize and the Canvas-Klara Award) has joined the Alpha label for several recordings, starting with a Brahms programme recorded in the superb acoustic of the music room at La Chaux-de-Fonds just before the Competition: ‘Over the years, for me Brahms has become a figure I admire so tremendously, a composer I can never tire of. It was fairly obvious to me that I had to make my first recording with these two works that I love so much (…) The rich quality of this music conjures up the profundity and grandeur of a symphony for the piano – and in such an astonishing way.’ The 28-year-old French pianist has been gathering many plaudits for his concerts – in particular for a sensational recital at La Roque d’Anthéron – and shows all the signs of developing a great career and a highly individual artistic path.
“Jonathan Fournel is one of the ’10 French pianists who represent the next generation’”
– Flore Caron, Les Échos“Fournel’s suavely energetic fugue is one of the most joyous and effortlessly dispatched on disc (...) I look forward to hearing this pianist again.”
– Gramophone“Jonathan Fournel, beauty at the fingertips”
– Emmanuelle Giuliani, la Croix
Mendelssohn
Augustin Dumay returns to Mendelssohn’s Concerto in E minor after a hiatus of more than 30 years since his first and only recording of the work for EMI. In this new version, he collaborates with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, offering a refreshing take on this ever-popular masterpiece. The programme also features the unfinished violin sonata in F, which the composer worked on alongside the violin concerto but left unpublished. A selection of Chansons sans paroles, arranged for violin and piano by David Walter, completes this delightful programme.