Florent Schmitt - Solitude - Piano Works

Florent SCHMITT (1870⁠–⁠1958)

Solitude - Piano Works

Crepuscules, Op.56 (1898-1901)

Pupazzi, Op.36 (1907)

9 Pieces, Op.237 (1895-1903)

Ritournelle, Op.2 BIS (1925)

3 Preludes, Op.3 No.1: Prelude Triste (1890-95)

Ballade de la Niege, Op.6 (1896)

Biljana Urban, piano

Florent Schmitt was a strikingly original composer whose influences were as varied as his own restless and imaginative music. A number of his solo piano works are little known and offer an important insight into his compositional development. Neuf Pièces, Op. 27, which includes a Spanish-infused Gitanella movement, was composed during his first period of travel. The expressive and vivid elements of Crépuscules, Op. 56 are infused with harmonic richness and quiet melancholy, while Ritournelle, Op. 2 No. IIbis displays an airiness and wit characteristic of French music of the Roaring Twenties. Internationally renowned pianist, Biljana Urban, presents a selection of neglected gems of French piano literature including many world première recordings.

This recording was made on a modern instrument: Steinway, Model D

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‘It has been an extraordinary adventure to bring to life Florent Schmitt's unknown piano pieces. A contemporary of Debussy and Ravel, Schmitt was a prominent figure of the Golden Age of French music, during which a pluralism of styles – Romanticism, Impressionism, Symbolism, Cubism, Ballet Russes, Orientalism etc. – influenced his prolific output.

I chose Opus 27 for its tender musical expression reminiscent of Schmitt's mentor, Gabriel Fauré. Chanson melancolique, Romance sans paroles, Sicilienne, and Op. 3, Prelude triste all express Faurè-like eloquence of reticence and the power of pianissimo.

This album is dedicated to the memory of my beloved mother who, since my childhood, kindled in me a love for “douce France”.’ – Biljana Urban