Théodore Dubois: Chamber Music
The music of Théodore Dubois (1837–1924) has rather been overshadowed by that of other French composers of the same period, not least Fauré and Saint-Saëns. But Dubois does not deserve his relative neglect: not only was he a superlative craftsman, but he could also unfold a fetching melody and had a strong sense of musical narrative. This recital of chamber works for oboe and strings is noteworthy for a further quality, one often underestimated: much of the music is, quite simply, charming.
Lajos Lencsés, oboe (Tracks 1 – 5, 10, 13, 14)
Gustavo Surgik, violin (Track 5)
Leo Lencsés, cello (Track 13, 14)
Carole Dubois, piano (Track 1 – 4)
Antal Váradi, organ (Tracks 5, 10)
Renie Yamahata, harp (Track 10)
Quatuor Parisii
Arnaud Vallin, violin (Tracks 1 – 4, 6-9, 11-12)
Doriane Gable, violin (Tracks 6-9, 11-12)
Dominique Lobet, viola (Tracks 1-4, 6-9, 11-12)
Jean-Philippe Martignoni, cello (Tracks 1-4, 6-9, 11-12)
Budapest Strings (Tracks 10, 13, 14)
Listen To This Recording:
-
Quintet in F major for violin, oboe, viola, cello and piano (1905)
- I Allegro
- II Canzonetta
- III Adagio non troppo
- IV Allegro con fuoco
- Méditation
- I Larghetto – Allegro – Larghetto
- II Allegro animato e molto leggiero
- III Larghetto
- IV Allegro vivo – Larghetto – Allegro Vivo
- Méditation-Prière, Op. 17
- I Andantino
- II Andantino grazioso
- No. 1 Adagio, molto espressivo
- No. 2 Allegretto grazioso
Méditation for violin, oboe and organ (1900)
String Quartet No. 1 in E flat major (1909)*
Méditation-Prière, Op.17, for oboe, strings, harp and organ (publ. 1869)**
Petits rêves d’enfants for string quartet (1903)*
Deux pièces en forme canonique for oboe, cello and strings (1901)
*FIRST RECORDINGS
**FIRST RECORDING IN THIS VERSION
MusicWeb International :
‘Oboist Lajos Lencsés’s praiseworthy playing has notable facility in the four works for his instrument, even if in 2020 he was in his late seventies. The Budapest Strings play the Méditation-Prière and Deux pièces with integrity and fine ensemble work. Quatuor Parisii, founded by Conservatoire de Paris students in 1981, gives adept and pleasing contributions.’
—Michael Cookson, MusicWeb International