This is a superb disc containing wonderful performances of thoroughly rewarding music. Sancan's sonatina, Dutilleux's sonatina and Messiaen's Le merle noir were all examination pieces for the Paris Conservatoire, but are far more than run-of-the-mill examination works. The Sancan sonatina is a major discovery; a wonderfully atmospheric, thematically memorable, very Gallic work, extremely well written for the instrument and certainly piquing one's interest in the output of a composer not exactly over-represented in the catalogue. The Dutilleux and Messiaen works are of course better known; both are early and neither can perhaps be counted as a masterpiece, but they contain obvious pointers to the composers' mature styles.
In addition the famous Poulenc sonata, an undeniable masterpiece, we also get a new version of Jolivet's striking, profoundly impressive and often recorded Chant de Linos, Ibert's affectionate but slight Aria and Milhaud's less famous but consistently attractive sonata. The playing is absolutely stunning. Most of the music here presents substantial technical challenges, which Pahud handles with aplomb. His tone is generally rather light and airy, and as a result the music acquires a certain refined clarity; but Pahud also has access to a remarkable array of colors and atmospheres, and the playing certainly does not lack muscularity or power. He is brilliantly partnered by Eric Le Sage, and the sound quality is excellent. A wonderful disc, enthusiastically recommended.