Dawn Upshaw - Voices of Light (LP)

Dawn Upshaw's "Voices of Light" is a captivating journey through the intricate and evocative worlds of Messiaen, Debussy, Golijov, and Fauré. Released in 2004 under the Nonesuch label, this classical album spans a rich hour of music, featuring 19 tracks that showcase Upshaw's extraordinary vocal prowess and the nuanced accompaniment of Gilbert Kalish. The album opens with Messiaen's "Le Collier" and closes with his "Resurrection," framing a diverse collection that includes Debussy's sensual "Les chansons de Bilitis," Fauré's expansive "La chanson d'Eve," and Golijov's haunting "Lua descolorida." Recorded in 2003 at Theatre C, SUNY, Purchase, New York, the album benefits from the intimate setting and the meticulous production by Max Wilcox. "Voices of Light" is a testament to Upshaw's ability to traverse the depths of human expression, from the ethereal to the profound, making it a standout in her illustrious career.