Presents
Alexis Roland-Manuel
Alexis Roland-Manuel (1891-1966 Alexis Roland Manuel Levy) was born in Paris. He studied music there at the Schola Cantorum under Vincent d'Indy and Albert Roussel. He worked as a teacher and composer, eventually becoming a professor of aesthetics at the Paris Conservatory. He was a close friend and first biographer of Maurice Ravel. Of note is the fact that he was actually the ghost writer of Stravinsky's book The Poetics of Music. He primarily composed for the stage and the film industry. He wrote more books than he did instrumental music.
His
String Trio dates from 1922 and was dedicated to his friend Maurice Ravel. It is
thought to be his only chamber music work. It is in three movements and no
particularly key as there are frequent modulations. The opening movement,
Allegrement, shows the influence of French Impressionism and features many
different moods. It is mostly genial, lyrical and tender although there are also
quiet mysterious episodes. The second movement, Sarabande, is subtitled like an
elegy. It is perhaps in some ways a product of his Schola Cantorum education
which emphasized studying the Baroque. Not overly sad, it is reflective and
valedictory. The upbeat and nervous finale, Ronde, is the most interesting and
unusual of the trio with its unusual interrupting pizzicato episodes.
There is little from this era for string trio and this one certainly deserves concert performance. It is in no way beyond experienced chamber music players to whom it can also be recommended.
Parts: $19.95
Score & Parts: $24.95
