Paul Paray was a prodigious composer in his
youth. He was the coveted Prix de Rome prize for
composition in 1911. Before and after that time,
he wrote many works for solo piano, many of them
until now unpublished, although some were
published by Jobert, Paris. The Fantaisie is a
work of youthful energy and inspiration. After a
solo piano introduction, the orchestra and piano
engage in a musical collaboration in which two
main themes are deeloped.
Among Paray's very first pieces is a work for
piano, Scherzetto, recorded here. This work,
along with a song was convincing proof of his
talent so as to bring him to Paris to study at
the Conservatory.
Pary's piano music is distinctively his own,
even though it employs harmonic and melodic
styles of his time. They are works of engaging
interest for the listener, and of technical
challenge to the performer.
Paray's last work was his Second Symphony in
1939, after which time he devoted himself to
conducting orchestras around the world.
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