Piano Works

Description

After a first Brahms recital that left a strong impression (Alpha 851) and Mozart concertos (Alpha 1039) praised by the press for their "naturalness" (Gramophone) and "fluidity" (Le Monde), Jonathan Fournel, winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition at 27 and now an essential figure on the international scene, decided to record a program he has performed frequently in concert: "I love Chopin's 3rd sonata because the melodic lines don't need embellishments; they are already beautiful, like the Mona Lisa, which doesn't need any makeup. The same goes for Szymanowski's more virtuosic pieces. Szymanowski is a bit like a Scriabin who evolved rapidly, sometimes approaching the Viennese style. I like this because there are explorations to be made within, but it's not virtuosity in the style of Rachmaninov. What I appreciate about these composers is that every element matters and expresses something."