Solti Chamber Orch:Stratton - Francaix: Music For String Orchestra

Jean Fran�aix (1912-97) has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the happier composers, his Gallic charm and breezy good humour obscuring the superb craftsmanship of his writing.Fran�aix once observed that 'I live in exile in my own country and am nourished from abroad'. Plus �a change, he then might have thought, with this CD presenting a Hungarian ensemble led by a Canadian conductor on a British label. The disc presents two first recordings and a rare hearing for one of his more substantial scores. Fran�aix having been born in 1912, the CD marks his centenary. The booklet contains introductory comments by the composer's son, Jacques.The ConductorKerry Stratton, based in Toronto, has conducted orchestras in Europe, North America and Asia, but has been especially active in eastern Europe, winning the Gratias Agit award from the Czech Republic for his serves to Czech music. After earning his conducting degree from McGill University, Kerry Stratton completed graduate studies at the Vienna Conservatory under Sir Charles Mackerras, the Academia Chigiana in Siena, Italy with Franco Ferrara, and L'�cole Pierre Monteux in Maine with Charles Bruck.