Entente Cordiale > Reviews > Entente Cordiale.

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Not applicable
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Sublime
Disadvantages:	Ends too soon !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

This CD has pride of place in my collection. Why? Because it contains some of the best classical music ever composed and the playing of the English Sinfonia, conducted by Sir Charles Groves, is absolutely right.

It begins with Masques et Bergamasques op. 122, by Faure, which is a charming and happy tune. I think it might have been used as the signature tune for a radio or television programme when I was a child, but I am not certain on this point.

The Sinfonia play the Overture, Menuet, Gavotte and Pastorale from the Masques et Bergamasques, then effortlessly glides into Faure's Chanson de Nuit, an exceptionally charming piece which is an exemplary example of pastorale. Serene, noble and lush. Perfection!

Next comes Chanson de Nuit, by Elgar. Dream-filled, thoughtful, evocative, questing, all reasons why the music of Elgar is still so popular today. Wonderful stuff! Elgar's Chanson de Matin is next, showing Elgar in a slightly lighter mood. By the way, did you know that Elgar was a dedicated Wolves fan? Apparently he used to cycle to the home games at Molineux Park, Wolverhampton and it is said that he wrote a little song (well, more of a chant set to music, really) for his fellow Wolves fans?

Then it is back to Faure for a piece of music that still sends shivers up and down my spine, his Pavane. Glorious music. Worth buying this CD for that one piece, alone.

Then it is another English composer, Delius, with On Hearing the First Cuckoo of Spring. This is a truly charming piece and really does evoke a warm spring morning and hearing the first Cuckoo of spring. This is not a piece that I have heard performed as often as I feel it should be.

For people who only know Ravel for his justifiably famed Bolero, it is good to hear another of his works, in this case, Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte. (Pavane for a dead child.) It is a lilting piece, and hauntingly beautiful.

Next is a more strident and striking Capriol Suite For Strings, composed by Warlock. This consists of Basse-Danse, Pavane, Tordion, Bransles, Pied-en-l'air and Mattachins (sword dance.) Warlock's music is almost martial, and is extremely confidant. It puts me in mind of an 18 century army officer who might be ready for a fight. He isn't going to start any trouble, but by god, he's the man who shall finish it! You may have heard Mattachins before, it's something that you'll probably say about: "Oh, yes! I know that. But I never knew the name, before."

Then there comes The Banks of Green Willow, by Butterworth. It is based on an old English folk song, and has been treated rather kindly by composer George Butterworth, who gave it a new lease of life as a fine piece of modern classical music.

The last two pieces on this CD are Gymnopedies 1 and 2 by Satie and Debussy. This is a thoroughly charming piece and probably one of the better known pieces that Satie is associated with. At only 2 minutes 26 and 2 minutes 58 respectively, they ate over all too soon.

I do not know the cost of this CD (it was a gift) but for price information check the Ciao price comparison service.