Notice the minimalism and occasional atonalism in this charming, enchanting piece by Mompou.
Federico Mompou, Catalan composer and pianist born in Barcelona in 1893 (passed away in 1987), from a French mother was very influenced by the French impressionism of Debussy and Satie. Mompou was a modest, quietly spoken, and thoughtful person, and this is reflected in his music.
He wrote no operas, concertos or symphonies, and some choral works are as close as he got to producing large-scale works. He was predominantly a composer of lyric songs and piano miniatures. The music is imbued with the colours, sounds and images of his beloved Catalonia, the style ranging from elegantly impressionistic to simplistic and minimal. Here we see the influence of Satie in Mompou's usage of the utmost economy of means, doing away with key signatures and bar lines.
As a young man, Mompou worked briefly in a bell factory, and the sound of bells can be heard throughout his works. For Mompou, less is more, and one needs a finely attuned ear and a responsive state of mind to properly appreciate his music.
In the following video, outstanding Brazilian pianist Nelson Freire performs 'Jeunes Filles au Jardin' live at the Vienna Konzerthaus' in 2008.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0kP8DSlkXs&feature=related
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