French charm

The encounter between Mélisse Brunet and Xavier Phillips highlights the delicacy and refinement of the French repertoire of the 1880s-1920s. Clair de lune is limpid and transparent, thanks to Debussy's alchemy. Gabriel Fauré, Ravel's master, composed a famous Élégie, from which escape the bewitching accents of the cello. Written for the Monte-Carlo theater, the suite Masques et bergamasques, inspired by commedia dell'arte, delivers delicious Verlainian sighs. We are gradually rediscovering the work of Marie Jaëll, pianist, composer and teacher who left her mark on the French musical scene at the end of the 19th century. Her Cello Concerto stands out from the great Romantic models for its measured proportions and clarity of writing. Finally, the miniatures from Ravel's Ma mère l'Oye (My Mother Goose) bring to life Le Petit Poucet, Laideronnette, Impératrice des pagodes and La Belle et la Bête, before opening the doors to a resplendent fairytale garden.