It's no small thing you've done, mastering Catoire's idiom and recording these pieces for us. Your love for the composer drips out in every moment.
Hi imbetter,I'm so glad you took time to listen, especially where Catoire is not one of your favorite composers. Catoire is not for everyone (like any other composer for that matter), but he does have a wonderfully original idiom. In this piece he also lets in hints of Wagner in the polyphony with vocal textures. And there are nods too to Scriabin with the unexpected tonalities at times. And the shifting passage work recalls Faure a bit. When he combines his own originality with these other influences, the result is not only eclectic, but often stunning, especially when he imbues it all with an ultra-romantic sound. I believe this is the quality that often appeals to those like me who truly love Catoire's music. But I do understand your viewpoint. For example, as much as I listen to Medtner and try desperately to like his music, he still hasn't captivated me yet. If you haven't listened to the Chants Nos. 2 and 3 posted earlier, perhaps they might appeal to you more than this Chant No. 4. Thanks again for listening!