Essential Duparc
Like Ernest Chausson and Vincent d'Indy, Henri Duparc (1848-1933) was a pupil of César Franck. His posthumous reputation is based on fewer than 20 mélodies some of which, such as Phidylé and L'invitation au voyage, with their spellbinding emotional intensity, impeccable craftsmanship and evocative atmosphere are among the most exquisite examples of French song.
Read more…A debilitating psychological condition prevented Duparc from composing after the age of 36, so he retired to Switzerland and devoted the rest of his long life chiefly to reading and drawing, destroying many of his youthful works. Happily, orchestral pieces such as the tone-poem 'Lénore' have survived. The influence of Wagner on his work is palpable – particularly when the songs are performed in the composer's own orchestral versions – without obscuring his own distinct artistic personality. This playlist contains practically all of his surviving works in a wide variety of interpretations.
[Due to geo-blocking restrictions, some tracks might be unavailable in certain territories.]