It is often said of Fauré that his music was a direct reflection of his life: a happy, accomplished, satisfied and stress-free existence. Perhaps this inner tranquility is what enabled the composer to create music of such deep serenity and poise. These attributes are well demonstrated in this superb program of solo piano and chamber works; a recital most excellently executed by the artists.

I had been familiar in name only with pianist Jean-Marc Luisada before hearing this performance, and upon repeated listening, have discovered what I believe to be a very fine talent. He plays most sensitively with a well-honed technical command and a marked ability to explore and exploit the piano’s wide range of tonal color. This music is well suited to such an exploration as it is rife with subtle shadings, understated but very present bursts of virtuoso display and a depth that takes some thinking to explore and properly relay.

In chamber music, Luisada has a fine partner in violinist Laurent Korcia. The youthful first violin sonata is perhaps a bit more romantically lush than the later music, which, after the composer’s growing deafness, became more compact and economic, stripped down as it were to the bare necessities of the expression of ideas. This performance is rather reminiscent of the classic Francescatti/Casadesus performance from over forty years ago. Bold, yet never over the top, these two musicians are well matched.

This release is a winner in that it combines the better of two previous releases into a very satisfying recital. Program notes are scant, but well written and informative. Sound quality is of a very high order. A highly recommendable release.

Kevin Sutton

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