This CD’s subtitle, “20th century entertainments”, better describes the musical program than the rather corny “French Dressing”. The selections are indeed entertaining, from Milhaud’s clever jazz-derived Creation of the World, to Ibert’s Divertissement that itself contains “popular” elements, including parades, waltzes, circus music, whistles, and the obligatory siren (it seems everybody composing in the 1920s felt compelled to use one).
Inghelbrecht is perhaps better known today as a conductor, but he composed a number of engaging and well-crafted works, including his charming Nursery suites based on French children’s songs. The Third Suite includes “Bon voyage, M. Dumollet”, also used by Tchaikovsky in the Nutcracker. However, Inghelbrecht also had a flair for the dramatic as displayed in Metamorphosis of Eve, a stirring ballet that he composed for his wife. Poulenc’s Aubade also is a ballet, albeit scored for piano and 18 instruments. Nonetheless it features the composer’s signature harmonic inventiveness, emotional intensity, and instrumental color.
All works in this collection receive first-rate performances by the Philharmonia Virtuosi (with sterling solo work by pianist Claudia Hoca) under the direction of Richard Kapp. The live recordings, while generally well-balanced and detailed, are a bit over-bright and somewhat cavernous, something your ear eventually adjusts to. A most enjoyable disc!
