Françaix, Jean- Cinq Danses Exotique
1. Pambiche
This wild opening has engaging polyrhythms interacting from the outset. The structure is simple but the content is full and an assertive opening to this short selection of dances.
2. Baiao
A slower and more subdued melody comes into focus here, with a faux-pizzicato accompaniment from the piano, complete with pretty flourishes.
3. Mambo
Although no West Side Story powerhouse, there is enough emphasis in the clave to propel the dance on with an assertive momentum. As with several other moments, the ending disappears into delicate diminuendo.
4. Samba Lenta
Quite how authentic it is to have a "lenta" samba it's uncertain. But then this seems to be a post-impressionist take on south American dances. Not in as veiled a manner as Ravel's 'Piece en Forme De Habanera' nor as blatant as Piazolla, but at a tasteful midpoint. Being middle of the road perhaps is not the greatest accolade, but the pieces are written cleverly and do what they set out to do.
5. Merengue
The most energetic and briefest dance provides a humorous coda to the collection and finishes delicately, without pomp or grand gesture. Light music, but intelligently assembled.
This wild opening has engaging polyrhythms interacting from the outset. The structure is simple but the content is full and an assertive opening to this short selection of dances.
2. Baiao
A slower and more subdued melody comes into focus here, with a faux-pizzicato accompaniment from the piano, complete with pretty flourishes.
3. Mambo
Although no West Side Story powerhouse, there is enough emphasis in the clave to propel the dance on with an assertive momentum. As with several other moments, the ending disappears into delicate diminuendo.
4. Samba Lenta
Quite how authentic it is to have a "lenta" samba it's uncertain. But then this seems to be a post-impressionist take on south American dances. Not in as veiled a manner as Ravel's 'Piece en Forme De Habanera' nor as blatant as Piazolla, but at a tasteful midpoint. Being middle of the road perhaps is not the greatest accolade, but the pieces are written cleverly and do what they set out to do.
5. Merengue
The most energetic and briefest dance provides a humorous coda to the collection and finishes delicately, without pomp or grand gesture. Light music, but intelligently assembled.