Janine Jansen: Beau Soir

Janine Jansen: violin, Itmar Golan: piano

L. Boulanger: Nocturne
Debussy: Violin Sonata / Beau Soir / Clair de Lune (arranged by A. Roelens)
Dubugnon: La Minute Exquise / Hypnos / Retour à Montfort-Lamaury
Fauré: Après un rêve, Op. 7 No. 1 (arr. violin and piano)
Messiaen: Theme and Variations for Violin and Piano
Ravel: Violin Sonata in G major

Wholenote Discoveries - June 2011
I’ve raved about the Dutch violinist Janine Jansen before; her new CD with pianist Itamar Golan - and her first recital disc - is yet more proof of her musical artistry and sensitivity. The Debussy and Ravel sonatas are the backbone of a programme of French pieces, including Debussy’s Beau soir and Clair de lune, Messiaen’s Thème et Variations, Fauré’s Après un rêve and Lili Boulanger’s Nocturne. Richard Dubugnon, who wrote a concerto for Jansen in 2008, also contributes four miniatures; he noticed the common nocturnal theme in some of the selected works, and suggested structuring the CD as a musical journey from evening through to morning, writing his pieces to supply the missing parts. They fit perfectly. Jansen clearly has an innate understanding of the French sound, with its subtlety and delicacy, and offers interpretations that are full of nuance, shimmering warmth and ravishing sensuality. I just wish they would dispense with the cheesy booklet photos: she really doesn’t need them. Terry Robbins
For her first recital recording celebrated Dutch virtuoso Janine Jansen has chosen a programme of French music, performed with her regular recital partner, celebrated pianist Itamar Golan: “She's intoxicating, and with Golan as a partner, unstoppable” [The Observer, concert review]
“Beau Soir” - named after Debussy's evocation of evening - takes us from dusk to the moonlit night, from lullabies into sleep, from dreams to awakening and recollection.
Popular classics such as Fauré’s Berceuse and Après un rêve and Debussy's Claire de lune are contrasted with three substantial works; sonatas by Debussy and Ravel, and Messiaen's Theme and Variations.
The album also includes three new works by the widely admired contemporary Swiss composer Richard Dubugnon, whose violin concerto Janine Jansen premiered in Paris in 2008. Now a resident in the French capital, Richard Dubugnon acted as a consultant on the 'Beau Soir' album and shares the background to the project in the booklet essay.

Price: $15.98