Julien Brocal - Mompou & Ravel: Reflections (2018) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Julien Brocal’s debut album of Chopin Preludes and the 2nd Sonata was praised by critics when released last year. ‘A protégé of Maria Joao Pires, Julien Brocal has a lot to live up to, and this disc the first for both him and the new label Rubicon – does so beautifully’ Guardian, *****

‘You can hear the qualities Pires admires in his playing, there is a kind of meditative poetry to the Op. 28 Preludes, wrapt stillness, restraint and intensity and they emerge as an absorbing set making sense as a whole. […] An impressive Chopin recital debut for this protege of Maria João Pires, triumphantly vindicating her faith in Brocal, and the faith of this brand- new label Rubicon, something you shouldn’t have to cross to hear Chopin playing of this quality’ BBC Radio 3 Record Review

This is great Chopin, transparent and warm at the same time, fabulously played in both the left and the right, dosed with masterful touch and filled with an inexpressible longing for something that is impossible and yet lets it materialise somehow. In short, we are in the unfathomable realm of a Lipatti, Pollini, Blechacz … sometimes even Cortot.’ OpusKlassiek

‘Spellbinding Chopin’ BBC Music Magazine – Instrumental choice double 5 star rating Julien’s new album takes us to the border country between Spain and France – the Basque region and the two great pianist composers from that area, Spaniard Frederico Mompou and Frenchman Maurice Ravel. The two composers never met but it is unlikely the shy, somewhat timid Mompou would have enjoyed the more flamboyant Ravel’s company.

Tracklist:
01. Paisajes: I. La Fuente y la campana
02. Paisajes: II. El lago
03. Paisajes: III. Carros de Galicia
04. Miroirs, M. 43: I. Noctuelles
05. Miroirs, M. 43: II. Oiseaux tristes
06. Miroirs, M. 43: III. Une barque sur l’océan
07. Miroirs, M. 43: IV. Alborada del gracioso
08. Miroirs, M. 43: V. La vallée des cloches
09. Charmes: I. pour endormir la souffrance
10. Charmes: II. pour pénétrer les mes âmes
11. Charmes: III. pour inspirer l’amour
12. Charmes: IV. pour les guérisons
13. Charmes: V. pour évoquer l’image du passé
14. Charmes: VI. pour appeler la joie
15. Sonatine, M. 40: I. Modéré
16. Sonatine, M. 40: II. Mouvement de Menuet
17. Sonatine, M. 40: III. Animé
18. Nature morte

Composers:
Mompou, Federico (1893-1987)
Ravel, Maurice (1875-1937)

Personnel:
Julien Brocal (piano)