This is the second album of unusual early 20th century repertory issued by the Black Oak Ensemble, clearly, a group to watch. Here the group offers seven string trios from the years 1926 to 1939, "Avant l'Orage" ("Before the Storm"), in the words of the album title. The puckish works of Jean Françaix sometimes show up in the programming of chamber music societies and the like, but most of the composers here are rare finds, even in France. The works by Henri Tomasi, Robert Casadesus (the pianist), and Gustave Samazeuilh are recorded here for the first time. The pieces have a neoclassic tinge and hold together nicely, reflecting the French neoclassic values of balance, melodicism, and gentle wit. The influence of Debussy's Impressionism is there, but it is on the margins, even in the Suite en trio of Debussy's student Samazeuilh; the harmonies march forward straightforwardly, and the works are formally clear. Yet there is nothing backward-looking about the music, which is fresh and lively. Several of the slow movements have a deeply lyrical tinge (sample the one by Jean Cras, who, in addition to composing, was a French naval officer). In general, this music deserves to be much better known than it is, and it would enliven any university music recital.
© James Manheim /TiVo