SOLITUDE
CRÉPUSCULES • PUPAZZI • 9 PIÈCES
AND OTHER PIANO WORKS BY
FLORENT SCHMITT (1870–1958)
BILJANA URBAN
GP850
‘It has been an extraordinary adventure to bring to life Florent Schmitt's unknown piano pieces. A contemporary of Debussy and Ravel, Schmitt was a prominent figure of the Golden Age of French music, during which a pluralism of styles – Romanticism, Impressionism, Symbolism, Cubism, Ballet Russes, Orientalism etc. – influenced his prolific output.
I chose Opus 27 for its tender musical expression reminiscent of Schmitt's mentor, Gabriel Fauré. Chanson melancolique, Romance sans paroles, Sicilienne, and Op. 3, Prelude triste all express Faurè-like eloquence of reticence and the power of pianissimo.
This album is dedicated to the memory of my beloved mother who, since my childhood, kindled in me a love for “douce France”.’ – Biljana Urban
GP850
