Jean-Baptiste Fonlupt - Stravinsky, Ravel, Prokofiev: Ballets (2022)

Against the backdrop of its decors, ballet offers itself up as a spectacle, arousing admiration and enchantment. In the early twentieth century, from the Palais Garnier to the Bolshoi, from the Châtelet to the Mariinsky, the shimmering colours of the orchestra were often combined with the innovative choreography of the Ballets Russes. The music to which these ballets were danced, assigned to illustrious composers, could hardly be for piano, which was tolerated only to accompany the dancers in their rehearsal studios. But is that really the case? If so, then why are there so many piano versions made by the composers themselves, alongside the orchestral ones? Jean- Baptiste Fonlupt answers that question here with dazzling imagination and virtuosity.
Tracklist
01. Three Movements from Petrushka: I. Russian Dance
02. Three Movements from Petrushka: II. In Petrushka's Room
03. Three Movements from Petrushka: III. The Shrovetide Fair
04. La Valse, M. 72 (Version for Piano)
05. Romeo and Juliet, Ten Pieces for Piano, Op. 75 (Excerpts): I. Juliet as a Young Girl
06. Romeo and Juliet, Ten Pieces for Piano, Op. 75 (Excerpts): II. Mercutio
07. Romeo and Juliet, Ten Pieces for Piano, Op. 75 (Excerpts): III. Montagues and Capulets
08. Romeo and Juliet, Ten Pieces for Piano, Op. 75 (Excerpts): IV. Romeo and Juliet before Parting
09. Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: I. Modéré. Très franc
10. Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: II. Assez lent, avec une expression intense
11. Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: III. Modéré
12. Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: IV. Assez animé
13. Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: V. Presque lent, dans un sentiment intime
14. Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: VI. Vif
15. Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: VII. Moins vif
16. Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: VIII. Épilogue, lent