STRAVINSKY/RAVEL/PROKOFIEV: BALLETS - JEAN-BAPTISTE FONLUPT, piano

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.

IGOR STRAVINSKY (1882-1971)
THREE MOVEMENTS FROM PETRUSHKA


Russian Dance 2’34
In Petrushka’s Room 4’39
The Shrovetide Fair 8’49


MAURICE RAVEL (1875-1937)


La Valse 13’07
SERGUEÏ PROKOFIEV (1891-1953)
ROMEO AND JULIET: TEN PIECES FOR PIANO OP.75 (EXCERPTS)


Juliet as a Young Girl 3’52
Mercutio 2’23
Montagues and Capulets 4’21
Romeo and Juliet before Parting10’05


MAURICE RAVEL (1875-1937)
VALSES NOBLES ET SENTIMENTALES


Modéré, très franc 1’22
Assez lent, avec une expression intense 2’41
Modéré 1’27
Assez animé 1’10
Presque lent, dans un sentiment intime 1’39
Vif 0’46
Moins vif 3’08
Épilogue, lent 4’37