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CD Review: Inouï… by Ivan Milhiet and and Frédéric Guérouet

Last Updated (Monday, 19 May 2008 08:23)
Written by Cyrille Bonnard
Sunday, 30 April 2006 04:13

Reviews - CD/Recording Reviews

This recording features Ivan Milhiet on euphonium and Frédéric Guérouet on accordion.

Ivan Milhiet is a tutor at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Lyon and is probably the most successful French euphoniumist.

His sound is quite bright and straight and differs significantly from the British or American players. He rarely makes use of vibrato and he tends to play a bit hard which is typical of French players.

Frédéric Guérouet is the kind of musician that can play anything and play it well. He is mostly known as a soloist and as a composer. I really like the sound of the accordion; it adds a lot of interest to the CD.

The CD is composed of seven pieces. Two of them were created by Ivan Milhiet: the Symphonie des regards (Symphony of looks) by Nico Missim and Ground by Thierry Escaich. These two works deserve to be played more often. They are musically very interesting, and they differ from the usual show-off music that we hear in many euphonium pieces. The other pieces in this CD are the Euphonium Concerto by Vladimir Cosma, extracts of Light Suite and Libertango by Astor Piazzolla, Sonata No. 1 in Bb Major by Vivaldi and Czardas by Vittorio Monti.

The CD begins with the famous Czardas. The quality of playing is very high, but I think the interpretation is a bit too academic and the euphonium’s articulations could have been a bit clearer.

The next track is Suite Lumière by Astor Piazzola. It’s a tango and the euphonium enters after a nice introduction by the accordion. It is short yet pleasant piece where the euphonium shows great virtuosity and the sounds of both instruments mix very nicely.

The Symphonie des regards immediately establishes a nostalgic atmosphere with Comlainte justifiée (justified complaint). The sound of the euphonium is surrounded by the accordion and the melody passes between the two instruments. Humoresque principal (main humoresque) is more contrasted and rhythmic. It sounds like a game or an improvisation between euphonium and accordion. The last movement, Ballade drôlatique (funny ballade) returns to a quiet and nostalgic mood. The euphonium could have been even lighter and relaxed, but this movement conjures up a nice feeling of peace.

Ground by Thierry Escaich portrays a rather different mood. The atmosphere is mysterious, sometimes menacing and dramatic. The title refers to a musical form used in England during the 17th Century featuring a descending chromatic theme of 5 notes as the beginning to a succession of variations.

The following pieces are Sonata No. 1 in Bb Major by Vivaldi and Euphonium Concerto by Vladimir Cosma. The playing is accurate but sometimes a bit more smoothness in the tone of the euphonium would be appreciated. In the Cosma, the bright sound of the euphonium fits the style of the piece well, and it gives a bit of cheekiness that shows who is the real toreador!! Ivan Milhiet also fully demonstrates his qualities with an impressive low register and virtuosity. The two musicians are joined by a percussionist that adds to the Spanish character of the piece. This interpretation is full of character and I generally like it. Sometimes the first movement could be more settled and the last movement more rhythmic but these issues are minor when compared to the good qualities of the music.

The CD finishes with Libertango by Astor Piazzolla. I think the inclusion of this track serves as a little homage to the Argentinean god of tango.

Inouï… is an interesting and original recording. Ivan Milhiet and Frédéric Guérouet form a nice duo where both show their virtuosity and musical talent. If you want to hear something a little bit different than the usual main stream euphonium, this recording is for you.

Cyrille Bonnard, Euphoniumist, Sterling Artist.
www.cyrillebonnard.co.uk