FLORENT SCHMITT [1870-1958] : “HASSARDS”, “SOIRS”

Ο λόγος που ένας ιδιοφυής καλλιτέχνης όπως ο Florent Schmitt κατέχει τον [υποτιμητικό] τίτλο του “πιο συναρπαστικού απ’ τους λιγότερο γνωστούς Γάλλους συνθέτες” είναι πιθανά πολιτικός : αφορά στη συνεργασία του, επί Γερμανικής Κατοχής, με την κυβέρνηση του Βισύ. Μη κατατάξιμος [στο προσωπικό του ιδίωμα ενσωματώνονται μεταρομαντικά, ιμπρεσιονιστικά και νεοκλασικιστικά στοιχεία] ιδιαίτερα παραγωγικός, είχε τον θαυμασμό συνθετών της εποχής του όπως οι Dutilleux, Delius, Stravinsky.
Οι πιο γνωστές, αν μπορούμε να τις ονομάσουμε έτσι, συνθέσεις του
Schmitt είναι φωνητικές : ο Ψαλμός XLVII και Η Τραγωδία της Μήδειας.
Ακούμε αποσπάσματα από δυο άλλα έργα του.

The reason why a brilliant artist like
Florent Schmitt is holding the [underestimating] title of “most fascinating lesser known French composer” is probably political : it has to do with his collaboration with the Vichy government, during the German occupation. Unclassifiable [post-romantic, impressionist and neoclassicist elements are incorporated into his personal idiom] highly prolific, he had the admiration of composers of his time such as Dutilleux, Delius, Stravinsky.
The most known, if we can call them that, among
Schmitt’s compositions are phonetic: Psalm XLVII and The Tragedy of Medea.
We hear excerpts from two others of his works.

00:00 Petit Concert “Hassards” En 4 Parties Pour Piano, Alto Et Violoncelle, Op. 96 : 1. Exorde, D’Une Allure Rapide
02:18 Pieces for Little Orchestra, from Suite for Piano, Op. 5 “Soirs”: No 1, En rêvant: Animé – Très modéré
04:48 Pieces for Little Orchestra, from Suite for Piano, Op. 5 “Soirs”: No 4, Après l’été: Presque lent (et dans un sentiment de douce mélancolie)

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5 Comments

  1. Steve Schwartzman September 17, 2023 at 2:44 pm

    I found and listened to Psalm XLVII, parts of which reminded me of choral sections in Prokofiev’s “Alexander Nevsky.” As you surmised, I’d never heard of Florent Schmitt.

    Reply
    1. Oannes September 17, 2023 at 5:04 pm

      I agree!
      I think he’s definitely worth discovering. Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Resa September 18, 2023 at 11:25 pm

    This is simply beautiful. Never heard of him. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Oannes September 19, 2023 at 7:02 am

      Thank you for listening Resa. He is among my favorite composers – because of this “thing” I have for the underappreciated, and of course because of his true value!

      Reply
      1. Resa September 20, 2023 at 12:31 am

        I understand. I’m a fan of underdogs too. I’m happy you have a “thing” for the under appreciated. Without you, I’d surely never hear their music. Thank you!!!!

        Reply

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