APRÈS UN RÊVE – EMMANUEL DESPAX

Emmanuel Despax, the remarkable pianist, continues to leave a lasting impression with his latest release on Signum Classics, titled “Après une rêve.” This album showcases Despax’s exceptional talent and versatility, following his notable performances of Chopin Piano Concertos in chamber versions, the captivating Bach transcriptions in “Spira, Sprea,” and the delightful “Sound of Music Fantasy,” which reveals his own creative brilliance.

The disc opens with Despax’s masterful arrangement of Fauré’s iconic song “Après un Rêve” (After a Dream, Op. 7/1). The pianist’s skillful use of different registers enhances the beauty of the melody, making this rendition a true gem that sets the tone for the entire album.

During a lunchtime recital at Wigmore on July 1, 2023, Despax ingeniously placed Fauré’s piece between Poulenc and Ravel as a refreshing musical sorbet. This strategic placement allowed listeners to appreciate the excellence of Despax’s transcriptions with a fresh perspective.

Poulenc’s “Les Soirées de Nazelles” (1930-36), a rarely heard and underappreciated piece, receives a sophisticated reading from Despax. The set of character portraits of Poulenc’s friends follows a symmetrical structure, framed by two cadenzas (“Largo” and “Très large et très librement”), balanced by a “Prèambule” and “Final.” Despax’s impeccable performance breathes life into the music, surpassing previous renditions.

In a brief yet breathtaking interlude, Despax treats the audience to Debussy’s “Clair de lune” from Suite bergamasque, exhibiting a natural and impressive affinity for Debussy’s artistry.

The Liszt arrangement (extended by Horowitz) of Saint-Saëns’ “Danse macabre” proves to be an intensely pianistic delight, fully realized by Despax’s virtuosic touch and perfectly paced delivery. The piece’s transformation is astonishing, highlighting the pianist’s ability to capture its unique essence.

Cécile Chaminade’s “Nocturne, Op. 165,” a poignant salon piece, exudes an exquisite fragrance, serving as a fitting prelude to Ravel’s opulent masterpiece, “Gaspard de la nuit.” In both the recording and live performance at Wigmore Hall, Despax’s masterful pedaling enriches Ravel’s intricate textures, creating a captivating dream-like atmosphere.

The central movement, “Le Gibet,” holds listeners transfixed, while the final movement, “Scarbo,” brilliantly balances lyricism and virtuosity, with rapid repeated notes generating an electrifying energy.

As an encore, Despax performs Henri Duparc’s “Aux étoiles,” dedicated to his grandfather, Jacques. This piece concludes the album with a poignant and balanced touch, beautifully complementing the opening Fauré/Despax arrangement.

“Après une rêve” is a treasure trove of musicality, skillfully crafted by the extraordinary Emmanuel Despax. With his remarkable artistry, he takes us on a captivating journey through an enchanting world of harmonies and dreams.