Impressions Romantiques

The French composer Marie Jaëll was a contemporary of Brahms, and some of his influence is discernible in the Cello Sonata she completed in 1881 in her mid-thirties. This is particularly evident in the rhapsodic yearnings of the broad opening movement, and in the richly expressive slow movement, whose long, lyrical lines cellist Natacha Colmez clearly relishes. The spirit of Schumann energizes the ebullient second movement, especially in the impish writing for piano. Pianist Camille Belin shows virtuoso credentials here, emphasizing a native French elegance which infuses Jaëll’s writing. The main coupling, Louise Héritte-Viardot’s Cello Sonata in G Minor, dates from three decades later, and is more restless in temper, particularly in its turbulent opening movement. Four attractive shorter pieces by another French composer of the period, Hedwige Chrétien, complete the album. The playing throughout is eloquent, valuably showcasing music which has long lain neglected and is undoubtedly worth hearing.