Papillons Noirs / Papillons Blancs / Eau Dormante (Impromptu) / Eau Courante (Impromptu) / Dix Pièces De Genre, Op.10 / Valse Folle / Valse Très Lente / Devant La Madone (Souvenir De La Campagne De Rome) / Toccata / Musique Pour "Bercer Les Petits Enfan

This 1970s pressing on the Angel Records label features the esteemed pianist Aldo Ciccolini performing the solo piano works of French composer Jules Massenet. While Massenet is primarily celebrated today for his operas like Manon and Werther, he also composed a substantial body of piano music intended for salon settings. These pieces showcase his characteristic lyricism and refined melodic sensibilities, often capturing fleeting, atmospheric moods that reflect the late-Romantic tradition in which he thrived.

Aldo Ciccolini, a virtuoso long associated with the revival of interest in French repertoire, brought his signature clarity and nuanced touch to these recordings. The selection, which includes character pieces such as the waltzes and impromptus listed, offers a rare glimpse into the composer's intimate creative output. The release reflects the mid-century effort by labels like Angel to document the complete keyboard works of composers beyond the standard concert repertoire, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of Massenet’s lighter, yet deeply sophisticated, musical sketches.