André Caplet's (1878-1925) artistic credo was as clear as it was modest: he wanted to write music that was new, but at the same time familiar. Revolutionary twists in composing were an abomination to him, because he believed that they only led the public astray. The resounding elaboration of these ideas is clearly evident on this CD with chamber music for harp, combined with a different line-up.
The most extensive work is Caplet's Conte fantastique for harp and string quartet (1908/1923). The piece is based on a narration by Edgard Allan Poe, but does not aim to be a pure illustration of the story and therefore has its own musical logic. The 'new, yet familiar' idiom that Caplet was pursuing appears to be entirely in line with Fauré-Ravel. The combination of harp and strings turns out to be particularly successful and works better than the curious line-up of the Impressions d'automne (1905), where the harp hardly adds anything to the combination of 5 woodwinds, two cellos and organ. In the other works of Henriette Renié and Florent Schmitt, among others, the same relaxed, melodious atmosphere prevails as with Caplet, whose motto can therefore in a sense serve as a guideline when listening to this CD as a whole. (JvG) In the other works by Henriette Renié and Florent Schmitt, among others, the same relaxed, melodious atmosphere prevails as with Caplet, whose motto can in a sense serve as a guideline when listening to this CD as a whole. (JvG) In the other works by Henriette Renié and Florent Schmitt, among others, the same relaxed, melodious atmosphere prevails as with Caplet, whose motto can therefore in a sense serve as a guideline when listening to this CD as a whole. (JvG)more
