Dukas Piano Works!

[pianorarities]

Can I get people opinions on Dukas piano works:

Sonata in E flat minor
Variations Interlude et Finale sue le Theme Rameau
Prelude Elegiaque
La plainte, au loin, du faune

MARGARET FINGERHUT made a super recording (my teacher)! on the Chandos label in the 80's, of the complete works!  Any opinions from those whom have heard this recording?

Many best wishes

Pete

[stevie]

i have a recording of hamelin playing that sonate, i should listen to it more, but i remember it was good.

[pianorarities]

Where did you get Hamelin's recording from. I would love to hear it.  What label is it???  Apparently he has recorded it for hyperion but has not yet released it!

[quantum]

I once had to accompany a French Horn player in Villanelle for Horn and Piano.  Cool stuff. 

[superstition2]

I have a Naxos disc with the sonata and it seems like a very mediocre composition. I heard that Dukas destroyed most of his compositions and I can understand why after hearing the sonata. Perhaps Hamelin's performance rescues it?

[mikey6]

The sonata is considered one of the great masterworks of French late romantic literature.  It hasn't really caught on outside France though.  According to Groves it's Beethoven-ian in it's scope and power. The write up in my CD booklet especially praises the last movement for it's thematic invention. The third movement is cool though

[superstition2]

The sonata is considered one of the great masterworks of French late romantic literature.

That's what the French critic in the sleeve of my Naxos disc said. I think it's one of the worst sonatas I've purchased, although nothing can top Allen Sapp.

[burstroman]

I have been playing the last two mentioned for my personal enjoyment.  They are beautiful but elusive.