Jean Françaix's "Musique pour faire plaisir" is a delightful journey through the neoclassical and chamber music genres, released in 1987 under the Wergo label. This 44-minute album is a testament to Françaix's virtuosity and his ability to blend classical elegance with playful modernity. The album opens with "Onze variations sur un thème de Haydn," showcasing Françaix's mastery of classical forms, followed by "Mozart new-look," a fresh take on Mozartian themes. The titular "Musique pour faire plaisir" suite is a highlight, featuring a charming waltz introduction, an élégie, and the grand valse démocratique "L'embarquement pour Cythère." Françaix's homage to Papageno from Mozart's "The Magic Flute" is a whimsical interlude, while "Quasi improvvisando" offers a taste of his improvisational skills. The "Danses exotiques" suite is a vibrant exploration of global rhythms, from the lively Pambiche and Baiao to the sultry Mambo and the energetic Rock'n'Roll. Françaix's wit and technical brilliance shine throughout, making this album a captivating listen for both classical aficionados and curious newcomers alike.
(C) 1987 Wergo(P) 1987 Wergo
Tracks
Onze variations sur un thème de HaydnJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Mozart new-lookJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Musique pour faire plaisir: I. Petite valse. IntroductionJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Musique pour faire plaisir: II. ElégieJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Musique pour faire plaisir: III. L'embarquement pour Cythère, grand valse démocratiqueJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Hommage à l’ami PapagenoJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Quasi improvvisandoJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Danses exotiques: I. PambicheJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Danses exotiques: II. BaiaoJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Danses exotiques: III. Nube grisJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Danses exotiques: IV. MerengueJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Danses exotiques: V. MamboJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Danses exotiques: VI. Samba lentoJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Danses exotiques: VII. MalambeandoJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll
Danses exotiques: VIII. Rock'n'RollJean Françaix, Bläser Ensemble Mainz, Klaus Rainer Schöll