Florent Schmitt: Ombres (Naxos Audio CD)

Cosmopolitan by nature, independently minded and prolific, Florent Schmitt sought inspiration from many sources for his highly original compositions. His Ombres, Op. 64 (Shadows) has been compared with Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit, and Mirages, Op. 70 pays tribute to Debussy and Liszt. The Tragedy of Salome, originally a ballet score in seven scenes, was praised by Igor Stravinsky as ‘one of the greatest masterpieces in modern music’. The composer’s version for piano retains the dramatic impetus of the original and here receives its world première recording. Vincent Lardaret is a prize-winner in several international piano competitions and performs in major concert halls and at renowned international festivals.