Markus Klinko: tiny yet epic masterpiece

Beauty in French art often comes in a small package. Think of Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun”, just to give you an example, a piece that comprises in almost ten minutes a statement of modernity and sophistication.

Maurice Ravel was a master at crafting masterpieces that are concise while offering pleasure to anyone who dares to listen to them. His Introduction and Allegro is a perfect illustration of that ability. In less than a dozen minutes you can encounter an elegant narrative that flows through a handful of chamber instruments. 

The textures, harmonies and intricacies makes the Allegro an irresistible experience. In just a few minutes you are immersed in a network of sounds that seem to take you to some sort of unforeseeable destination.

This new album by Markus Klinko has been unfairly criticized due to an apparent lack of enthusiasm, but the energy and vigor are there, for sure. Introduction and Allegro, as its title indicates, works perfectly well as a presentation for that delightful and fascinating world of French chamber music. Give it a try and your life will change.