One barcarolle was enough for
Chopin, but Fauré turned out 13. While some might expect that 13 stylized Venetian gondolier songs would be a bit much to listen to all in a row, pianist
Delphine Bardin's sensitive performances let them slide by as easily as a gondola. With her superlative technique, subtle tone, and graceful legato,
Bardin's got the right equipment for the job, and with her flowing tempos, nuanced balances, and elegant interpretations, she's clearly got the right soul as well. Nor is she dismayed by having to perform 13 similarly styled pieces anymore than, say, Arrau, at having to perform 21 of
Chopin's nocturnes, and she finds depths and, more importantly, differences in the pieces that make for a very relaxing but very, very beautiful recital. Captured by Alpha Productions in richly detailed and vivid sound, this disc should be heard by anyone who admires Fauré.