Milhaud, Ibert & Hindemith: Quintette à vent

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of chamber music with the Quintette à vent de l'Orchestre national de la Radiodiffusion Française's captivating album, "Milhaud, Ibert & Hindemith: Quintette à vent." Released in 1954 under the BNF Collection label, this 36-minute journey through the works of three distinguished composers offers a delightful exploration of the wind quintet repertoire.

The album opens with Darius Milhaud's "La cheminée du roi René, Op. 205," a suite of six movements that evoke the vibrant scenes and characters of Renaissance Provence. Each piece, from the ceremonial "Cortège" to the enchanting "Madrigal nocturne," showcases Milhaud's distinctive impressionist style and his mastery of wind instrumentation.

Following Milhaud's suite, Jacques Ibert's "Esquisses, Op. 227b" provides a brief yet engaging interlude. The two movements, "Madrigal" and "Pastoral," demonstrate Ibert's knack for creating evocative atmospheres with simple, elegant melodies.

The album concludes with Paul Hindemith's "3 Pièces brèves" and "Petite musique de chambre, Op. 24 No. 2." These four movements offer a study in contrast, from the playful "Allegro" and "Vif - Très vif" to the introspective "Andante" and "Tranquille et simplement." Hindemith's neoclassical style and intricate compositions provide a fitting end to this diverse collection of wind quintet pieces.

Whether you're a seasoned chamber music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding listening experience. The Quintette à vent de l'Orchestre national de la Radiodiffusion Française's precise and expressive performances bring these works to life, highlighting the unique qualities of each composition and the ensemble's own artistry.