Ernest Chausson

French romantic composer Ernest Chausson was born in Paris on 20 January 1855. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire, first with Massenet and later with César Franck.

Best known for his Poème for violin and orchestra, he also wrote an opera, Le roi Arthus, the symphonic poem Viviane, a Symphony in B flat and the song cycle Poème de l'amour et de la mer. His incidental music for a French version of Shakespeare's The Tempest is believed to be the first work to include a part for the celesta.

Chausson died suddenly at Limay on 10 June 1899, aged only forty-four, as the result of a cycling accident. Such was his stature on the French music scene that Albeniz, Debussy (who never ceased to admire Chausson's music), Duparc and Fauré all attended his funeral.

A selection of articles about Ernest Chausson

Spotlight. A Winning Personality - Gerald Fenech strongly recommends music by Eugène Ysaÿe on the Avie Records label. '... passionate intensity and inspired brilliance ...'

CD Spotlight. Secret Love Letters - Lisa Batiashvili plays Chausson, Debussy, Franck and Szymanowski, warmly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Batiashvili plays this programme with ultra-sensitive feeling and moving emotional ardour that penetrate right to the heart of this sublime music which reveals the inscrutable depths of the human soul.'

CD Spotlight. An Additional Significance and Poignancy - Gerald Fenech listens to César Franck orchestral music, recorded in Ukraine. 'Francisco Varela draws the very best from the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine, and performances are consistently fresh, alive and often compelling.'

CD Spotlight. A Quintessentially French Bestiary - French songs by various composers, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Ducks, peacocks, pigs, butterflies, dromedaries, carp, cicadas and owls are just some of the creatures in the menagerie assembled for this recording.'

CD Spotlight. Much to Admire - Songs by Berlioz, Chausson and Duparc, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... Soile Isokoski interprets this unique repertoire with eloquence and mastery ...'

Ensemble. 2011 Specials - A roundup of London concerts enjoyed by Bill Newman, featuring recitals by Alice Sara Ott, the Emerson Quartet, Martin Fröst and Roland Pontinen, the Orchestra of the Polish EU Presidency, Kreeta-Julia Heikkilä and Roope Grondahl, and Martino Tirimo's Rosamunde Trio

CD Spotlight. An Impressive Performance - Michael Ludwig plays music by John Corigliano, heard by Patric Standford. '... should not fail to entertain ...'

Ensemble. A Remarkable Event - Paul Sarcich visits the West Cork Chamber Music Festival

CD Spotlight. Glowing Performances - Music by Koechlin and Jongen, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a truly outstanding recital ...'

Ensemble. A Cross Section - Bill Newman comments on some recent concerts at London's Wigmore Hall

CD Spotlight. Exquisitely Nuanced - Steve Davislim sings Vierne and Chausson, recommended by Howard Smith. 'I cannot think of higher praise.'

Ensemble. Sparkling Performances - Yvonne Kenny and Iain Burnside at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Darkness to light - Malcolm Tattersall is at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music

Ensemble. A musical treasure - Aaron Rosand plays Beethoven, appreciated by Lawrence Budmen