Piano Quintets by Pierné and Vierne
By Ralph Graves
The pairing of these two French piano quintets is a logical one. Gabriel Pierné studied with Gabriel Fauré, and Louis Vierne audited his courses as a teenager (Vierne was to formally study with Fauré but Fauré died shortly after Vierne was enrolled). And superficially, both quintets share similarities with Fauré’s style.
Both works share a smoothness of texture and the gentle lyricism of fin du siècle compositions. Both works are about the same length, and both have a three-movement structure. There are subtle differences between the two but overall the disc seems to deliver one 70+ minute listening session of remarkable consistency rather than two discrete works. (That’s not a complaint)
The Quatuor Arthur-Leblanc and pianist St&eactue;phane Lemelin have a seamless ensemble sound that’s critical for this music. To me the recording had a slightly distant sound. It softened the sound of the strings, which further enhanced the warmth of the ensemble.
Gabriel Pierné: Quintet for piano and strings, Op. 41
Louis Vierne: Quintet in A minor for piano and strings, Op. 42
Quatour Arthur-Lebalnc; Stéphane Lemelin, piano
Atma ACD2 2384
