Elsa Grether "Granada, Hispanic music for violin and piano"

Paris, 4 avril 2025

The CEM is delighted to announce the release of Elsa Grether’s brand-new album “Granada, Hispanic Music for Violin and Piano”, recorded with Ferenc Vizi and released on the Aparté label! A remarkable work that resonates deeply with the heritage of Pauline Viardot.

“This new CD is a personal journey in search of a Spanish grandfather I never had the chance to know. It’s a voyage into the heart of Spain and the thousand colours of its music — so characteristic, steeped in folklore, poetry, mystery, energy, nostalgia and passion.
The programme includes both iconic works and hidden gems: from de Falla, Turina and Rodrigo to Granados, from Montsalvatge and Nin to Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy — based on themes by Bizet, whose 150th anniversary of death and of the creation of Carmen we celebrate this year. Each piece pays tribute to the Spanish soul — its light, its vibrancy, its authenticity.
I dedicate the Carmen Fantasy to women around the world — and to their freedom!”

The CD is available in record stores, at Fnac, and on digital platforms.

🎬 Here is a video excerpt from Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy:
Pablo de Sarasate: Carmen Fantasy Op.25 I. Moderato – Elsa Grether & Ferenc Vizi

The CEM is proud to be a partner of this recording, which is already receiving glowing acclaim from critics and media alike:

“The sensitivity with which Elsa Grether approaches each melody knows no bounds. Her mastery of the violin’s sonic palette is striking — gracefully and with technical finesse, she unfolds its full expressiveness.
Ferenc Vizi proves an equally inspired partner: his accompaniment is incisive and dynamic, embracing Grether’s playing with vibrant energy and pinpoint contrasts. His deep understanding of the piano shapes the duo’s character, bringing out the magic and beauty of the Iberian repertoire in a passionate, evocative performance that transports us to the timeless soundscapes of Spain.”
— © Juan Barrios / Cobuz

A wonderful review by Frédérick Casadesus is also featured on his Mediapart Blog.

The CEM looks forward to welcoming Elsa Grether and Ferenc Vizi to perform at the Villa Viardot in Bougival as part of their upcoming tour. Here are the current dates:

• 25 April 2025 – Brussels, Flagey

• 27 April 2025 – Soissons, Cité de la Musique et de la Danse

• 6 May 2025 – Amiens, Maison de la Culture / Scène Nationale

• 15 June 2025 – Prieuré de Marast (Haute-Saône) – Special creation with Veronica Vallecillo (Contemporary Flamenco)

• 24 October 2025 – Scènes Musicales de Lafrançaise

• 30 October 2025 – Liège, Concerts Royaux de Midi de la Ville de Liège, Belgium

A conversation between Jorge Chaminé, Elsa Grether, and Ferenc Vizi will also take place during their visit to Villa Viardot.
To be continued…!