Samson François - Ravel & Grieg Piano Concertos - Classic Archive DVD 

Made in Europe 

Region 2 PAL DVD

Product Information

• UPC: 724349043794
• Product Type: Classical Music DVD
• Genre: Classical Piano Performance
• Languages: Minimal dialogue (Music performance)
• Subtitles: Not applicable
• Format: DVD-5 (single-sided)
• Running Time: 56:31 minutes
• Video Format: PAL 4:3, Black & White
• Audio: Linear PCM Mono 2.0 (PCM dual mono)
• Menu Languages: English, Français, Deutsch, Español
• Region Code: None (PAL system compatible players only)
• Distributor: EMI Classics/IMG Artists/Idéale Audience

Overview

This DVD from the prestigious Classic Archive series presents extraordinary archival performances by the legendary French pianist Samson François (1924-1970). The main program features two masterpieces of the piano concerto repertoire: Ravel's innovative Concerto for the Left Hand, performed with the Orchestre National de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo under Louis Frémaux (filmed at the Salle Pleyel, Paris on October 24, 1964), and Grieg's romantic Piano Concerto in A minor with the Orchestre National de l'ORTF, also conducted by Frémaux (filmed at ORTF, Paris on June 27, 1967). As a bonus, the disc includes rare footage of a young Maurizio Pollini playing three Chopin Préludes (filmed in Paris on May 4, 1960). This lovingly restored historical material offers a unique glimpse into classical performance practice of the mid-20th century, showcasing François' distinctive interpretive style and remarkable technical command.

Product Features

• Format: DVD-5 (single-sided) with PAL encoding (no region coding)
• Video: Black & White, 4:3 aspect ratio
• Audio: Linear PCM Mono 2.0 (PCM dual mono), remastered for DVD
• Running Time: 56:31 minutes
• Menu Languages: English, French, German, Spanish
• Bonus Content: Rare footage of Maurizio Pollini playing three Chopin Préludes (Paris, 1960)
• Accompanying booklet with detailed chapter list, authoritative essay, and archive photographs
• State-of-the-art restoration using finest technology available

Interesting Facts

Samson François: Poetic Iconoclast

Samson François was one of the most distinctive and individualistic pianists of the 20th century, known for his highly personal interpretations and poetic approach to the keyboard. Born in Frankfurt but thoroughly French in his musical sensibilities, François studied with Alfred Cortot and Yvonne Lefébure, developing a style that combined technical brilliance with improvisational freedom. His interpretations—particularly of Chopin, Debussy, and Ravel—were characterized by spontaneity, rhythmic flexibility, and remarkable coloristic effects that often departed from conventional approaches.

The Ravel Left-Hand Concerto

Ravel's Concerto for the Left Hand was commissioned by Austrian pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who had lost his right arm during World War I. The work represents a remarkable compositional achievement in creating a complete-sounding piano concerto requiring only one hand. François' interpretation is particularly noteworthy for its combination of orchestral power and delicate nuance, all achieved with just five fingers. His performance illuminates the work's jazz influences and modernist harmonies while maintaining its essential French clarity.

François' Tragic Early Death

This recording gains additional historical significance as it captures François near the end of his tragically short life. Known for his bohemian lifestyle and self-destructive tendencies, François struggled with alcohol and drugs throughout his career. He died suddenly in 1970 at age 46, cutting short what many considered one of the most brilliant pianistic careers of his generation. These filmed performances thus represent precious documentation of a unique artist whose distinctive interpretive voice was silenced too soon.

Program Content

1. Maurice Ravel: Concerto for the Left Hand for Piano and Orchestra

   • Samson François, piano
   • Orchestre National de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo
   • Louis Frémaux, conductor
   • Filmed at the Salle Pleyel, Paris, 24 October 1964

2. Edvard Grieg: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in A minor, Op. 16

   • Samson François, piano
   • Orchestre National de l'ORTF
   • Louis Frémaux, conductor
   • Filmed at the ORTF, Paris, 27 June 1967

3. Bonus: Maurizio Pollini plays Chopin: Préludes, Op. 28

   • No. 8: Prélude in F sharp minor
   • No. 6: Prélude in B minor
   • No. 24: Prélude in D minor
   • Filmed in Paris, 4 May 1960

Publishers

A Co-production between Pierre-Olivier Bardet (Idéale Audience International) and Stephen Wright (IMG Artists). Released under exclusive license to EMI Records Ltd. The material includes content from BBC (1996) and INA (1962-2003).

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