Carolyn Sampson, the renowned soprano, presents a captivating and thought-provoking album titled "Reason in Madness," released on April 5, 2019, under the BIS label. This unique collection of art songs, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, is meticulously curated around the theme of madness, particularly focusing on female characters from history, myths, and literature who have experienced mental turmoil.
The album features a diverse range of compositions, including works by Brahms, Debussy, and Schubert, among others. Carolyn Sampson's exquisite vocals are accompanied by the skilled pianist Joseph Middleton, creating a harmonious blend that brings depth and nuance to each piece. The tracklist includes excerpts from "Ophelia-Lieder," "Chansons de Bilitis," "Goethe-Lieder," and more, showcasing the artists' versatility and mastery of various musical styles.
"Reason in Madness" is not just an album; it is an exploration of the human condition, delving into the complexities of love, sadness, and the fine line between reason and madness. The album's title is inspired by a Nietzsche aphorism, "There is always some madness in love, but there is also always some reason in madness," which sets the tone for the profound and introspective journey that awaits the listener.
Carolyn Sampson's stunning vocal performances, coupled with the exquisite piano accompaniment, make "Reason in Madness" a standout album that is sure to resonate with fans of choral and requiem genres. The album's unique theme and diverse musical selections offer a fresh and engaging listening experience that highlights the artists' exceptional talent and artistry.
Tracks
Opheilia-Lieder, WoO 22 (Excerpts): No. 4, Sie trugen ihn auf der Bahre bloßJohannes Brahms, Carolyn Sampson
Herzeleid, Op. 107 No. 1Robert Schumann, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
6 Lieder, Op. 67, TrV 238 (Excerpts): No. 1, Wie erkenn ich mein Treulieb vor andern nun?Richard Strauss, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
6 Lieder, Op. 67, TrV 238 (Excerpts): No. 2, Guten Morgen, 's ist Sankt ValentinstagRichard Strauss, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
6 Lieder, Op. 67, TrV 238 (Excerpts): No. 3, Sie trugen ihn auf der Bahre bloßRichard Strauss, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Chansons de Bilitis, Op. 39: No. 1, Hymne à AstartéCharles Koechlin, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Chansons de Bilitis, L. 90: No. 1, La flûte de PanClaude Debussy, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Chansons de Bilitis, L. 90: No. 2, La chevelureClaude Debussy, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Chansons de Bilitis, L. 90: No. 3, Le tombeau des naïadesClaude Debussy, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Chansons de Bilitis, Op. 39: No. 5, Épitaphe de BilitisCharles Koechlin, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Romance de Mignon, Op. 2 No. 3Henri Duparc, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Goethe-Lieder (Excerpts): No. 9, Kennst du das Land?Hugo Wolf, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Goethe-Lieder (Excerpts): No. 5, Mignon I "Heiß mich nicht reden"Hugo Wolf, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Goethe-Lieder (Excerpts): No. 6, Mignon II "Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt"Hugo Wolf, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Goethe-Lieder (Excerpts): No. 7, Mignon III "So lasst mich scheiden, bis ich werde"Hugo Wolf, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Gretchen am Spinnrade, Op. 2, D. 118Franz Schubert, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Mädchenlied, Op. 107 No. 5Johannes Brahms, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Die Spinnerin, Op. 107 No. 4Robert Schumann, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
La mort d’OphélieCamille Saint-Saëns, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Chansons de Shakespeare, Op. 28: No. 3, Chanson d’OphélieErnest Chausson, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Opheilia-Lieder, WoO 22 (Excerpts): No. 1, Wie erkenn ich dein Treublieb?Johannes Brahms, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
Au pays où se fait la guerreHenri Duparc, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
La Dame de Monte-Carlo, FP 180 (Arr. for Voice & Piano)Francis Poulenc, Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton
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