The names of artists' groups generally remain fairly present in the memory, but that does not guarantee the fame of the individual members. Of the 'groupe de six' only Poulenc is still really loved, Honegger and Milhaud are at least still known, but Germaine Tailleferre, Georges Auric and Louis Durey are rarely heard of anymore. Louis Durey (1888-1979) was the youngest member of the company and was
… referred to by Cocteau as 'le solitaire'. It is not to be disputed that Durey went his own way, but according to the complete chamber music performed on this double CD, he had a clear bond with his fellow group members. This is evident, for example, from the song cycle "Le bestiaire" from 1919, based on the poems of Apollinaire. Poulenc set six of them to music, but Durey took a more systematic approach and composed 26. Other song cycles on this CD are the "Images à Crusoe" (1918), the "Érise" (1916/1917), the "Madrigaux" (1919) and the "Chansons basques" (1919). What is striking about these songs is that the accompaniment is entrusted to an ever differently composed instrumental ensemble. This may have contributed to the anonymity in which this music has become, because this line-up is of course not very much in keeping with current song practice. The songs are very short, with a few exceptions. More ambitious in design, but rarely lasting longer than twenty minutes in total are the "String Quartets Nos. 1-2" and the "Concertino for piano, 16 wind and double bass". Durey's music is predominantly lyrical in character, but without the lightheartedness that is generally - not quite rightly - associated with the 'groupe de six'. The beautiful performances of the Ensemble Erwartung in any case ensure that this is a very welcome addition to the discography of both Durey and the 'groupe de six'. (JvG) _more
