Impressions parisiennes

Inspired by his recordings and performances of works from the golden age of French composition, the Van Kuijk Quartet commissioned a new work from jazz pianist Baptiste Trotignon, which had its premiere at Carnegie Hall in 2024. Ces Messieurs, recorded here for the first time, focuses on Poulenc, Fauré, Ravel, Satie and Debussy. These five miniatures reveal an entire universe, reshaped without nostalgia or pastiche behind the first names of these composers: Francis, Gabriel, Maurice, Erik and Claude. This world premiere recording not only expands the string quartet repertoire, but also creates a transition between the character, styles and repertoire of past and present. This special release of Ces Messieurs is a preview of the Van Kuijk Quartet's forthcoming album Impressions parisiennes, which combines this new work with a fine selection of works by their famous namesakes.