;)
2CDs
Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, Hampstead, London, United Kingdom
Produced by Mark Brown
Engineered by Julian Millard
Release date: July 2002
Total duration: 151 minutes 27 seconds
'Here is something so joyous and heart-warming that it's difficult to know where to start … anyone with a love of French music and poetry will find this a knock-out pleasure' (International Record Review)
'Adorable indeed … these songs steal into the heart. This is a set made for a lifetime's listening and enjoyment' (The Times)
'I cannot begin to tell you what delights await you on these discs … irresistible gems of melody, wit and tenderness. The enterprise has clearly been a labour of love for all involved' (The Sunday Telegraph)
'Both CDs are packed with gems, most of them rarities … a three-star issue for Chabrier's adorable music, Johnson's de luxe documentation and Lott's delightful singing' (The Sunday Times)
'[A] real treasure of a treasury' (BBC Music Magazine)
'If you like French song this album is a treasure trove' (The Financial Times)
‘there are major discoveries to be made here’ (Fanfare, USA)
‘the splendid group of artists here assembled get to the heart of every piece’ (Musical Opinion)
‘[Chabrier’s] 43 gorgeous songs find ideal interpreters on these two discs; the voices are beautifully limpid and the phrasing is exquisite’ (Classic FM Magazine)
‘Quite a serious treat for aficionados of the great French master especially as the performances by sopranos Lott and McGreevy are totally flawless and delivered with great charm and confidence throughout … Hugely enjoyable’ (AdLib)
‘this superbly-produced set of his complete melodies should be welcomed by all’ (ClassicsToday.com)
CD1
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CD2
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This entrancing pair of CDs is going to give much joy. They contain all of the songs of Emmanuel Chabrier (43 of them) including his 16 settings of 'Les plus jolis chansons du pays de France', never before recorded. Also included is the hilarious 'Duet of the usherette from the Opera-Comique and the salesman from 'Le Bon Marché', and the wonderful 'Ode to Music' for soprano and female choir, the opening words of which provide the title of this set. As to singers, there are five of them, all obviously enjoying themselves, and a bassoon in Chabrier's setting of L'Invitation au voyage' (which would be much better known if his friend Duparc hadn't written his masterpiece just beforehand). Graham Johnson writes of this music: "There is no one like him, this adorable man, and nothing in French song, indeed in all music, which is quite like his music.” 'Musique adorable' indeed! |
Other albums in this series |