Marek Janowski - Franck, Chausson: Symphonies (2006)

“In the wrong hands both the Franck Symphony and its younger brother by Chausson can sound stiffjointed. Not here. Marek Janowski draws on all his operatic experience to make the melodic lines live and sing. Everything has shape and colour, but these frequent dark undertows are never allowed to wallow in sentimentality. Best of all is the way Janowski responds to the variety of harmonic tension in both works: the more chromatic a chord, the more space he tends to give it without ever obstructing the flow… they make a tremendous impact when required, balanced by warm-toned pianissimos. I have no doubt that the power and refinement of this recording should bring it a wide audience.” -- Roger Nichols