Martin Jones Archives

SAINT-SAENS: Music for Piano Duo and Duet, Vol. One = Martin Jones & Adrian Farmer, p. – Nimbus

by Audiophile Audition | Sep 4, 2016 | Classical CD Reviews

A deliciously joyful collection of four-hand work to complement your Saint-Saens library. SAINT-SAENS: Music for Piano Duo and Duet, Vol. One = Tarantelle, Op. 6; Duettino in G Major, Op. 11; Le Rouet d’Omphale, Op. 31; Koenig Harald Harfagar, Op. 59; Septet: Menuet & Gavotte; Polonaise, Op. 77; Feuillet d’album, Op. 81; Berceuse, Op. 105; Scherzo, Op. 87; Pas redouble in B-flat Major, Op. 86 – Martin Jones & Adrian Farmer, pianos – Nimbus Alliance NI 5940 65:35 (8/12/16) [www.wyastone.co.uk] ****: This recording (May & October 2015) presents the first of two volumes of original compositions and arrangements for piano duo and duet by Camille Saint-Saëns. This program offers the substantial Scherzo, Op. 87 and Polonaise, Op. 77 for two pianos, alongside a number of smaller works for two pianos and piano four hands. Saint-Saens (1835-1921)himself re-cast several of his chamber music compositions for piano-duo performance, as in his 1857 Tarantelle, Op. 6. Typically, this composer’s music enjoys the brio of life, its sparkle and elan. Playful clarity combines with serenity in craft and security of expression. The other significant chamber music arrangement, from the 1880 Septet, Op. 65, arranges the staid Menuet & Gavotte in liquid tones. Two orchestral […]

JEAN FRANÇAIX: The Music for Solo Piano, Duo and Duet – [TrackList follows] – Martin Jones/Richard McMahon/Adrian Farmer, pianos – Nimbus Records (3 CDs)

by John Sunier | Aug 10, 2012 | Classical CD Reviews

JEAN FRANÇAIX: The Music for Solo Piano, Duo and Duet – [TrackList follows] – Martin Jones/Richard McMahon/Adrian Farmer, pianos – Nimbus Records NI5880 UHJ Ambisonic (3-CDs: 59:23; 64:48; 66:54) [Distr. by Allegro] ****: Although Francaix is known for his many chamber works, especially those involving winds—written in a delightful sparkling and witty French style—he was a piano pupil of Nadia Boulanger and attended the Paris Conservatoire and was renowned as a piano composer and performer. Though he wrote over 200 works, the piano has an important position in his opera, and his many works for it are charming, possessing great clarity of form. Some have compared his objective approach to Ravel. This is a wonderful collection of most of Francaix’s piano music, covering a period of 65 years and including even his very last piano piece: La Promenade of 1987. There are over three hours of stylish and colorful Gaelic piano music here. The first of the three CDs is entirely solo piano works performed by Martin Jones. The short Sonate pour piano is a standout here. Disc 2 opens with 8 Exotic Dances for 2 pianos, followed by 15 Children’s Portraits by Renoir for piano 4 hands. The other […]