"Septimana" is a duet featuring Pirly Zurstrassen on piano and Jean-Pierre Catoul on violin. The disc's 15 tracks are divided into 3 longer suites and 1 stand-alone song. The duo plays some truly uplifting chamber music, with just a bit more room for individual expression than your typical classical fare.
"Septimana" (tracks 1-7) is a septet of songs named after the days of the week .It features some hauntingly beautiful passages as Mr Zurstrassen caresses the ivories while Mr Catoul makes his violin sing delicate ballads.Although the mood is mostly sedate, tracks like Dies Luna allow Mr Catoul to make the violin cry out joyously. The duo's syngery creates a truly celestial musical movement.
The 2-part " Pittura" (tracks 8-9) follows up and allows Mr Zurstrassen to step to the forefront.Siamoise has some sublime piano passages. La Troisieme Porte is a poignant and dramatic number which once again let's us hear Mr Catoul's anguished soul sing through his instrument.
The third suite is an ode to spring entitled " Primavera" (tracks 10-14). From the opening notes ofCrocus to the closing segments of Coquelicot, this musical suite appears to be telling the tale of this yearly ritual. The duo shines once more as their instruments coalesce to form a perfect union. Rouge may be this movement's stand-out number as, once again, Mr Catoul demonstrates his virtuoso playing.
The stand-alone Pour Wend La Viim closes off the disc with all of the delicate grace the duo has displayed in the suites.
I'd be hard pressed to call this disc 'progressive' as defined by the paradigms of this website.It is, however, a wonderfully crafted collection of exquisite modern classical music which will make for an enjoyeable listening experience in those quiet, introspective moments.
Final note: This disc, recorded in 2000, is the final recording of violinist Jean-Pierre Catoul who died in a tragic accident the same year this album was recorded.
Track Listing :
- Dies Jovis ( 3:18)
- Dies Veneris ( 5:42)
- Dies Saturnis ( 3:41)
- Dies Solis ( 3:37)
- Dies Luna ( 4:22)
- Dies Martis ( 4:35)
- Dies Mercuri ( 3:07)
- Siamoise ( 3:35)
- La Troisieme Porte ( 4:32)
- Crocus ( 3:31)
- Jaune ( 4:28)
- Vert-Tige ( 4:35)
- Rouge ( 5:19)
- Coquelicot ( 4:38)
- Pour Wend La Viim ( 5:27)