This set, which comes with a short book, introduces the French-born Marie Jaëll (1846-1925), now being rediscovered as a composer of late Romantic music. Given early support by Liszt, Jaëll faced many struggles as a female composer-pianist and ended her days a recluse and pedagogue. The kinds of terms used to describe her have included “barbaric”, ”headstrong”, “excessive” and “with a tendency towards mysticism”. These three discs sample her attractive, virtuosic concertos and piano works, performed by various artists. The Douze Valses et Finale for four hands are charming and quirky. The Ce qu’on entend series, progressing from hell to purgatory and paradise, for solo piano (David Bismuth), have far more individuality.
