Van Gogh - Music of His Time - Lalo, Franck, Chabrier, Wagner, Liszt, Mahler

NAXOS has produced a series of CDs in its Art and Music range which attempt to marry the two art forms and provide the listener with some insight into the historical and social context of the arts in a particular era.

As it explains in the notes accompanying this recording, van Gogh was a loner, so he did not involve himself in artistic circles, salons or schools, apart from a brief visit from Gaugin which caused him so much distress van Gogh ended up mutilating himself. So, "the selection is intended to act in some degree as a mirror of van Gogh's own nature."

And with the exception of Lalo's Cello Concerto written in 1877, all the music was either written or first performed during the period of 1880-1890, during which time van Gogh 's output was prolific and dramatic.

All the pieces are rich in texture, theme and content, and breathe fresh air into a world of classical music which was becoming stale and almost frivolous.

Lalo had already played an important part in helping to change musical tastes in the 1850s. The second movement from his cello concerto has been chosen as a gentle introduction to the more sensitive and playful sides of the artist's character, with the slow movement and scherzo.

Perhaps the most interesting and holistic choice is the Chabrier. The chosen movements from his Suite Pastorale display every nuance of the composer's instrumental portfolio. It originally formed part of a set of 10 Pieces Pittoresques for piano, which really show off his characteristic wit and boisterousness.

The CD is completed with snippets from Wagner, Liszt and Mahler - all suggesting the gamut of moods inherent in van Gogh's stormy career.

This is an excellent CD for anyone thirsting to learn more of the historical context in which artists worked simultaneously. The sleeve notes by Hugh Griffith are beautifully crafted and extremely informative and worth having on their own.

Naxos Art and Music 8.558060