Magnard: Cello Sonata Op.20, Piano Trio Op.18

- Albéric Magnard (1865-1914) was born in Paris, the son of Francis Magnard, a bestselling author and editor of Le Figaro. Albéric could have chosen to live the comfortable life that his family's wealth afforded him, but he decided to make a career for himself in music, based entirely on his own talent. After military service and graduating from law school, he entered the Paris Conservatoire, where he studied counterpoint from 1886 on with Théodore Dubois and went to the classes of Jules Massenet. There he met Vincent d'Indy, with whom he studied fugue and orchestration privately for four years from 1888 to 1892, writing his first two Symphonies. From 1896, he was a teacher at the Schola Cantorum in Paris. From 1904, he settled in his countryside estate, where he died in 1914 shot by German troops while attempting to defend the property, which was set on fire along with many of his as yet unpublished compositions.

- Magnard's primary musical influences were contemporary French composers, particularly César Franck, whereas certain passages in his music demonstrate a more Germanic influence, foreshadowing the music of Gustav Mahler. His use of fugue and incorporation of chorale, together with the grandeur of expression, have caused him to be called a "French Bruckner".

- The two works on this CD, the Cello Sonata and Piano Trio, are highlights in Magnard’s oeuvre, highly expressive, original and passionate works by a still neglected composer.

- Played by the Trio Mezzena, Patria, Ballario, whose previous recordings for Brilliant Classics include piano trios by Ermanno Wolf Ferrari.

Alberic Magnard (1865-1914)

• Magnard: Cello Sonata in A major Op. 20
• Magnard: Piano Trio in F minor, Op. 18