Camille Thomas, The Chopin Project: The Franchomme Legacy Review

Camille Thomas is a French-Belgian cellist that is releasing The Chopin Project: The Franchomme Legacy.  The album is presented in three sections: chamber music, cello arrangements, and the legacy of Franchomme (a close friend of Chopin who arranged most of his works for the cello). The trilogy brings out the beauty of the cello. Thomas is joined by Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, cello; Jaemin Han, cello; Frans Helmerson, cello; Indira Koch, violin; Friedemann Eichhorn, violin; Alexia Eichhorn, viola.  The Chopin Project: The Franchomme Legacy is a unique journey through the life and work of one of the greatest classical music composers.

Chopin: 24 Préludes, Op. 28: No. 4 in E Minor (Arr. Franchomme for Cello) opens the album, as we instantly hear the beauty of this well-known piece with the sonics of the cello quartet. Thomas’ play is lyrical and finely articulated.

Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 35: III. Marche funèbre (Arr. Franchomme for 4 Cellos) is another decisive moment where the sonority of the cello colors the dramatic composition of Chopin in a beautiful manner.

Thomas performs two solo cello selections from the 12 Etudes for Cello, Op. 35 that were arranged by Auguste Fanchomme. Her passion and lyrical cello technique carry the studies with a high degree of musicality, thought, and attention to detail.

“No. 20 in C Minor (Arr. Franchomme for 4 Cellos)” from the Chopin: Preludes, Op. 28 is a lyrical moment again with the string quartet following Thomas’ lead. The arrangement serves the piece well, and Thomas’s use of dynamics is highly expressive.

The Chopin Project: The Franchomme Legacy is a wonderful project demonstrating the power and versatility of Chopin’s music. Though we all know the Chopin piano works well, hearing the lyrical sonorities of the cello and Thomas’ dynamic lead will undoubtedly bring new light to each composition. That’s the short of it!

Connect with Camille Thomas: Website |