Rediscovering the Golden Age of Piano with Dominique Merlet’s L’âge D’or Du Piano
Dominique Merlet’s L’âge D’or Du Piano is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2009 under La Croix Musique, it’s not just another classical piano album—it feels like an intimate conversation between Merlet and his instrument. The French pianist doesn’t just play; he breathes life into every note, making this record a treasure chest for anyone who loves soul-stirring music.
Let me start by saying—I couldn’t get enough of "Souvenir de Paganini." It’s haunting, but in the best way possible. There’s something about how Merlet handles the melody—it’s delicate yet full of tension, as if he’s walking a tightrope between joy and melancholy. Every time I listen to it, I feel like I’m standing at the edge of a quiet forest, watching the sun dip below the horizon. You know that moment when everything gets still? That’s what this track does to your mind. It’s short, but man, does it leave a mark.
Then there’s "Drei Intermezzi, Op. 117: II. In B-Flat Minor - Andante non troppo e con molto espressione." This one hit me right in the feels. Brahms wrote these pieces late in his life, and you can hear the weight of experience in every chord. But here’s the thing—Merlet doesn’t overdo it. He lets the music speak for itself, giving each phrase room to breathe. When the softer sections come in, it’s almost like someone whispering a secret they’ve kept for years. I found myself holding my breath during certain parts because I didn’t want to miss a single detail.
What strikes me most about this album is how personal it feels. Sure, the production quality is top-notch (shoutout to François Esnault for recording and editing), but it never loses its warmth. The sleeve notes written by Merlet himself add another layer of intimacy—you can tell he poured his heart into this project. Even the black-and-white photography by Pascal Deloche fits perfectly, capturing the raw elegance of the whole thing.
Here’s the kicker though—this isn’t an album you throw on while cooking dinner or scrolling through your phone. It demands your attention. Listening to L’âge D’or Du Piano feels like sitting down with an old friend who has stories you’ve never heard before. Some are sad, some are hopeful, but all of them stay with you long after the last note fades.
As I wrapped up my second listen, I realized something weird—I started picturing the piano as a living thing. Like, maybe it was tired from centuries of being played, but Merlet somehow coaxed out its hidden voice. Maybe that’s why this album stuck with me so much. Or maybe I’m just overthinking it. Either way, if you’re looking for a record that’ll make you stop and think—and maybe even cry a little—this is it.
Did you know? The album *L’âge D’or Du Piano* by Dominique Merlet is a stunning collection of classical piano masterpieces, released in 2009 in France. What makes it special is how it blends works from legendary composers like Schumann, Liszt, and Debussy with Merlet’s own expressive touch. The recording was handled by François Esnault, who also edited the album, ensuring every note resonates with clarity. Fun detail: the track "Ondine" from Debussy’s *Préludes* takes listeners on a magical journey inspired by water nymphs. The elegant cover design, done by Noir Et Blanc, perfectly matches the timeless beauty of the music inside.
