| Label: ATMA Catalog: ACD22642 Format: CD Karina Gauvin: soprano, Marc-Andre Hamelin: pianoFaure: Mélodies (5), Op. 58 "de Venise": no 1, Mandoline / Clair de lune, Op. 46 no 2 / Aurore, Op. 39 no 1 / Mélodies (5), Op. 58 "de Venise": no 2, En sourdine
Ravel: Mélodies populaires grecques (5)
Debussy: Fêtes galantes: Excerpt(s) / Chansons (3) de Bilitis
Poulenc: Métamorphoses (3) / Poèmes (2) d'Aragon / Poèmes (3) de Louise Lalanne
Honegger: Saluste du Bartas
Emile Vuillermoz: Chansons populaires françaises et canadiennes Wholenote Discoveries - March 2011
Though a reissue of a recital given in 1999 in the Montreal Radio-Canada studio, this recording is well worth a second run. The original received the 2000 Opus award for Best Vocal Recording and was selected as Chamber Music America’s Recording of the Year. Fêtes galantes, or garden parties, refers to a collection of poems by Paul Verlaine inspiring some of the best loved songs of fin de siècle composers and their successors. Karina Gauvin’s voice is magical, with a depth of tone and timbre one rarely finds but which suits the emotive quality of this repertoire so well. Fauré’s Mandoline and Clair de Lune are a lovely starting point for the ever-evolving repertoire. Gauvin navigates expertly through the dizzying atmospheric nuances of Debussy, she and pianist Marc-André Hamelin ever intertwining in a mesmerizing dance of tonal spectres. The singer’s depth of expression truly transcends in Poulenc’s Metamorphosis and both singer and pianist’s precision shine in Deux poèmes de Louis Aragon and Trois poèmes de Louise Lalanne which include some lively and tongue-twisting lyrics. In Honegger’s Saluste du Bartas she manages a perfect blend of regal bearing and human frailty. And finally, in charming settings of folk music by Ravel and Vuillermoz, the garden is made complete through the inclusion of the pastorale. Dianne Wells
In collaboration with Espace musique (Radio-Canada), ATMA Classique presents a reissue of an outstanding recital of French songs with soprano Karina Gauvin and pianist Marc-André Hamelin. The title "Fête galante" recalls a sophisticated garden party and alludes to a collection of poems by Paul Verlaine. This sets the tone for a recording dedicated to capturing the pinnacle of French song. Canada's superstar soprano Karina Gauvin has impressed audiences and critics the world over with her luscious timbre, profound musicality and wide vocal range. The Globe and Mail calls her "one of the dream sopranos of our time". As an active recitalist, she has collaborated with several chamber music ensembles and with pianists Marc-André Hamelin, Michael McMahon and Roger Vignoles. |