Each volume in the 'Portraits' series is devoted to a French composer who has now largely been forgotten. It presents a panorama of his works, performed by many artists from various backgrounds.

Torn between France and Germany during his lifetime, as a result of the turbulent political situation in his native Lorraine, Theodore Gouvy was recognised by neither nation after his death. The music of this composer, inspired by the passionate style of Mendelssohn, magnified by the nobility of French academicism, is nevertheless of great importance.

This CD-book presents a significant selection of his works – for the most part never heard before – along with biographical information, excerpts from letters, and articles discussing the composer’s style and personality.

Contents:
CD 1
- Sinfonietta
Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège / Christian Arming
 
- Fantaisie pastorale for violin & orchestra
Tedi Papavrami (violin)
Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège / Christian Arming
 
- La Religieuse
Clémentine Margaine (mezzo-soprano)
Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège / Christian Arming
 
Sérénades:
- No.2, Allegro con brio
- No.14, Allegro con brio
- No.5, Allegretto moderato
- No.15, Allegretto moderato
- No.11, Larghetto
- No.17, Prestissimo
Emmanuelle Swiercz (piano)
 
CD 2
- Le Giaour
- Jeanne d'Arc
- Le Festival
Orchestre National de Lorraine / Jacques Mercier
 
- String Quartet in A Minor, Op.56 No.2
Quatuor Cambini-Paris
 
CD 3
- Piano Trio No.4 in G Major, Op.22
Trio Arcadis
 
- String Quartet No.5 in C Minor, Op.68
Quatuor Parisii