Trois by Michael Houstoun

Michael Houstoun's second release in 2017, following the exceptional tour de force of the Diabelli Variations, is an album of his favourite French piano music.

Michael is one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed concert pianists. His commitment to excellence and enthusiasm for works by contemporary New Zealand composers has seen his path cross with Rattle's numerous times, and has resulted in many of our finest releases.
Trois is an album of absolutely beautiful music by French composers Maurice Ravel, Gabriel Fauré, Claude Debussy, Erik Satie, and Francis Poulenc, and it’s some of Michael’s favourite music.

“Trois was conceived as a result of Michael recording the three movements of Ravel’s Sonatine, which led him to consider other groups of three by French composers—hence the collection of works assembled here. Having had the privilege and pleasure to produce his recording of the complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas, I was keen to assist him as he embraced this collection of French piano music, certain that it would be a rewarding endeavour.”

“What I most admire about Michael’s musical artistry is his integrity towards the music and, as a result, the composer. The clarity of line he brings to each of the pieces on Troisironically stems from his approach to Beethoven. He has an understanding of inherent counterpoint, a subtle sense of harmonic blend, no overwrought rubato or excessive sustaining pedal, and he adheres to indicted tempi and their gradations. Michael allows the composer and his music to speak for themselves, rather than ‘enhancing’ the work for his or our benefit.” — From Kenneth Young’s liner notes