COMPOSERS: Dufault,Gallot
LABELS: Virgin Veritas
WORKS: Lute Suites
PERFORMER: Pascal Monteilhet (lute)
CATALOGUE NO: VM 5 61776 2 Reissue (1993, 1994)
François Dufault and Jacques Gallot ‘le Vieux’ were two of the most fêted lutenists during the Golden Age of the instrument in 17th-century France. This selection of their works makes perfect late-night listening: intimate, intricate music, characterised by richly ornate melodies, audacious chromaticism and a rhythmic pliancy that makes Chopin sound four-square. A contemporary of Dufault praised his ‘grave and learned playing’, and much the same could be said of Pascal Monteilhet’s interpretations. If they are at times a little wanting in variety, Monteilhet’s restrained yet adroit technique is nonetheless well-suited to this rarefied idiom. Kate Bolton
Dufault, Gallot
François Dufault and Jacques Gallot ‘le Vieux’ were two of the most fêted lutenists during the Golden Age of the instrument in 17th-century France. This selection of their works makes perfect late-night listening: intimate, intricate music, characterised by richly ornate melodies, audacious chromaticism and a rhythmic pliancy that makes Chopin sound four-square. A contemporary of Dufault praised his ‘grave and learned playing’, and much the same could be said of Pascal Monteilhet’s interpretations.
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 1:18 pm