Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical vocal masterpieces with Régine Crespin's timeless album, "Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été / Ravel: Shéhérazade, &c." Released in 1999 under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this collection is a treasure trove of operatic and classical gems that showcase the extraordinary talent of Régine Crespin, accompanied by the esteemed Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, conducted by Ernest Ansermet.
The album opens with Hector Berlioz's "Les Nuits d'été," a song cycle that explores themes of love, longing, and nature. Crespin's velvety soprano voice brings to life each of the six songs, from the playful "Villanelle" to the hauntingly beautiful "Sur les lagunes." The cycle culminates in "L'île inconnue," a dreamy and evocative piece that leaves a lasting impression.
Following Berlioz, the album transitions to Maurice Ravel's "Shéhérazade," a set of three songs inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Crespin's exquisite phrasing and nuanced delivery bring out the exotic and alluring qualities of these pieces, particularly in the title track "Shéhérazade" and "La flûte enchantée."
The album also includes selections from other notable composers, such as Francis Poulenc's "Trois chansons de Bilitis" and "Banalités," as well as songs by Darius Milhaud and Arthur Honegger. Each piece is performed with the same level of artistry and passion that Crespin is renowned for, making this album a true showcase of her vocal prowess.
With a total runtime of 68 minutes, this album is a captivating journey through some of the most beloved works in the classical vocal repertoire. Whether you're a longtime fan of Régine Crespin or a newcomer to her artistry, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
Tracks
Les nuits d'été, H. 81b: Villanelle, H. 82bHector Berlioz, Régine Crespin, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Ernest Ansermet
Les nuits d'été, H. 81b: Le spectre de la rose, H. 83bHector Berlioz, Régine Crespin, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Ernest Ansermet
Les nuits d'été, H. 81b: Sur les lagunes. Lamento, H. 84bHector Berlioz, Régine Crespin, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Ernest Ansermet
Les nuits d'été, H. 81b: Absence, H. 85bHector Berlioz, Régine Crespin, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Ernest Ansermet
Les nuits d'été, H. 81b: Au cimetière. Clair de lune, H. 86bHector Berlioz, Régine Crespin, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Ernest Ansermet
Les nuits d'été, H. 81b: L'île inconnue, H. 87bHector Berlioz, Régine Crespin, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Ernest Ansermet
Shéhérazade, M. 41: I. AsieMaurice Ravel, Régine Crespin, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Ernest Ansermet
Shéhérazade, M. 41: II. La flûte enchantéeMaurice Ravel, Régine Crespin, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Ernest Ansermet
Shéhérazade, M. 41: III. L'indifférentMaurice Ravel, Régine Crespin, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Ernest Ansermet
Trois chansons de Bilitis, L.90: 1. La flûte de PanClaude Debussy, Régine Crespin, John Wustman
Trois chansons de Bilitis, L.90: 2. La chevelureClaude Debussy, Régine Crespin, John Wustman
Trois chansons de Bilitis, L.90: 3. Le tombeau des NaïadesClaude Debussy, Régine Crespin, John Wustman
Banalités, FP 107: Chanson d'OrkeniseFrancis Poulenc, Régine Crespin, John Wustman
Banalités, FP 107: HôtelFrancis Poulenc, Régine Crespin, John Wustman
La Courte Paille, FP 178: 6. Le CarafonFrancis Poulenc, Régine Crespin, John Wustman
La Courte Paille, FP 178: 3. La reine de coeurFrancis Poulenc, Régine Crespin, John Wustman
Chansons villageoises, FP 65: 2. Les gars qui vont à la fêteFrancis Poulenc, Régine Crespin, John Wustman
Deux Poèmes de Louis Aragon, FP 122: 1. "C"Francis Poulenc, Régine Crespin, John Wustman
Deux Poèmes de Louis Aragon, FP 122: 2. Fêtes galantesFrancis Poulenc, Régine Crespin, John Wustman
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