A prolific composer and organist, Naji Hakim is one of the most versatile performer-composers working today, garnering praise from his numerous organ and composition competition prizes as well as an award from Pope Benedict XVI for his musical work in benefit of the church. This new recording continues Signum’s series of discs with Naji Hakim with a new selection of his chamber works, featuring performances by Rima Tawil, Magali Mosnier, Claire Foise, Quatuor de la Chapelle Royale (with Renaud Bary) as well as by the composer.

These works draw on a wide range of influences: Phèdre sets the words of Jean Racine’s tragic work of the same name to music; Caprice en Rondeau is a sprightly piece featuring themes by Rameau; and the Diptyque combines folk tunes through the tonal pallate of the basque flute, known as the txistu. This première recording of the Concerto for Piano is a tour-de-force for soloist Claire Foise, accompanied by the Quatuor de la Chapelle Royale and Renaud Bary.