Beatrice Berrut ATHANOR

Athanor. A mysterious name to designate, in alchemy, the long-combustion furnace that produces the philosopher’s stone. This matrix, which symbolises the quest of one who seeks to the Absolute, is a metaphor of Liszt’s approach.
With the patience of the alchemist who pursues the perfection of the material, the virtuoso composer and pianist has long matured the genesis of his two Piano Concertos and of the Totentanz: in fact, more than 20 years separate the first sketches of their publication.
These three major works are each crossed by a powerfull and captivating leading theme, and driven by a logic of transformation: the Totentanz uses the theme and variations form while the concertos are unifyed by a unique theme that nourishes the whole musical flow through its metamorphoses.
Pianist Beatrice Berrut, who was already venturing on the Lisztian paths in her previous record, testifies here to the infinite invention of the composer: she performs the first Concerto with its last variants noted by Liszt himself on the copy of his pupil Hans von Bülow. (Aparté)

Ophélie Gaillard RICHARD STRAUSS Don Quixote & Cello Works

From Romance to tone poem, the cellist Ophélie Gaillard invites to an imaginary journey, both heroic and delicate, in the post-Romantic world of Richard Strauss.

Heart of the disc, the symphonic poem Don Quixote transforms the instruments into characters who play the epic adventures of Cervantes’ hero. Thus, Don Quixote, played by the cello, talks with Sancho Panza (the viola) or Dulcinea (the violin) in a luxuriant orchestral fresco, tender and sensual, where Strauss’ genius for melody unfolds with a touch of humour. 

His exquisite expressiveness shines through the most intimate pieces that complete this program. Ophélie Gaillard’s warm lyricism agrees with the piano in the Romance and the Sonata in F major, or with the voice in the smooth accents of Morgen. As an ideal companion, the cellist’s enchanting bow leads to an irresistible music.

Thibault Cauvin / Orchestre de Chambre de Paris / Julien Masmondet THE VIVALDI ALBUM

Thibault Cauvin is certainly one of the most talented, charismatic and sought-after guitarists at the moment. He started touring more than ten years ago and never stopped since. Cauvin perfomed as a soloist in 120 countries on the most prestigious stages: Carnegie Hall in New York, Shanghai Concert Hall, Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow, Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, GAM in Santiago de Chile, the Théâtre des Champs Elysées in Paris, Gasteig in Munich, and many others. 

He releases is eighth album, which follows his two very popular and critically acclaimed previous albums, « Le Voyage d’Albéniz », recorded at the Château Lafite-Rothschild in 2014 and « Danse avec Scarlatti » in 2013. These albums are available in many countries and can be found on several compilations bringing together the music that has marked the past few years. 

Born into a family of musicians, Thibault Cauvin started learning to play guitar at five years old with his father. After brilliant studies at the Bordeaux Conservatory and the National Superior Conservatory of Paris, he began entering international competitions. At age 20, he was and remains the only guitarist in the world to have won 13 international first prizes. This accomplishment at such a young age was the trigger of his « endless tour » which now counts over 1000 concerts. Cauvin’s one-of-a-kind career inspires the young generation of French classical guitarists who shines in many competitions around the world making France one of the most respected music school in the world.

Thibault Cauvin was appointed « Ambassador of Bordeaux Métropole » in 2013. He is patron of the « Paris Guitar Foundation » and is a Sony Music artist. The 30 year old musician takes the classical guitar further and further. His inspired, expressive and natural playing brings together people, generations and breaks down boundaries. This popular and eclectic guitar, new into the world of classical music, becomes the queen of the XXIst century. (Sony Classical)

CAMILLE & JULIE BERTHOLLET

Camille & Julie are the Berthollet sisters, two extraordinarily gifted musical siblings from the idyllic Rhône-Alpes region in France. Camille (17) plays violin and cello and Julie (19) violin and viola. They became celebrities in France when the then 15-year-old Camille won Prodiges, a TV show for classical virtuosos under the age of 16. After captivating more than four million viewers on the France 2 network with her searing rendition of ‘Summer’ from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Camille was immediately signed to Warner Classics, her debut album (featuring her older sister as duo partner) going on to achieve Gold status with more than 80,000 copies sold in France alone. On their second album together, with the support of the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, the sibling sensations reveal the poise, maturity and musical prowess they have continued to develop since Prodiges, confirming their talent goes far beyond the TV phenomenon that launched their bright careers.(Warner Classics)