This erudite release is a musical delight.

Anthony Galinier brings a cultured sense of appreciation to a series of commissions and arrangements that extend his artistic exploration of the tenor horn by retaining a warm sense of lyricism in complimenting his refined virtuosity.

It follows on from his first ‘French Tenor Horn’ recording, released in 2014 - one also marked by informed Gallic sensitivity, as once again the playing is shaped by texture and tonality.

Welcome touch

There is also a welcome touch of academic thoughtfulness in the choices of dynamic and pace; the musical arguments presented with unhurried clarity to the listener, aided by intelligent accompaniment throughout by Foden’s under Michael Fowles and the nicely balanced, intimate recording ambience. 

Galinier’s technique is discerning in its execution - controlled pastel-hued explosions of tactile pyrotechnic brilliance; always subservient to the requirements of the engaging compositions.

Quirky menace

The brace of extended works - ‘Scherzo Fantastique’ by Frank Zabel and ‘Storm’ by Nicholas Chatenet, are underpinned by a rhythmic vitality that enhances the quirky menace and dark drama of the writing, whilst the dabs of compact musical pigment in ‘En Trois Colours’ are expertly realised miniatures of substantive contrast.

Hypnotic

Jean-Philippe Ichard’s ‘Ploemeur Gigue’ is a gem of tasteful good manners, as is his ‘Moonlight Dance’ ballad, whilst ‘This Old Road’ is a simple construct that retains its poetic beauty thanks to its touching execution. The same can also be said of Peter Meechan’s absorbing ‘Bright Shadows’ - a hypnotic, dreamy trio of sensitivity inspired by a Shakespearian sonnet.   

Meanwhile, the obliging deftness of ‘Fountains’ with Benjamin Richeton on soprano is equally generous of spirit, as is the witty ‘Valse a Bebel’ - which seems to be written in a style hewn from Gauloises cigarette smoke, absinthe and Brigitte Bardot’s kitten-chic smile. 

Iwan Fox

Available from: http://www.worldofbrass.com/

1-3. En Trois Couleurs (Jean-Jaques Charles)
i. Vermillon
ii. Vieux rose
iii. Vert d'eau
4 . Moonlight Dance (Jean-Philippe Ichard)
5. Fountains (Jonathan Bates)
with Benjamin Richeton (soprano)
6. Scherzo Fantastique (Frank Zabel)
7. Bright Shadows (Peter Meechan)
with Mark Wilkinson (cornet), David Thonton (euphonium)
8. Valse a Bebel (Thierry Caens)
with Martyn Parkes (piano)
9. This Old Road (Kosaku Yamada arr. Makoto Sekiya)
10. Ploemeur Gigue (Jean-Philippe Ichard)
11. Storm (Nicholas Chatenet)
with Lauren Scott (harp)