Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of classical masterpieces with John Nelson's forthcoming album, "An American in Paris," set to release on May 2, 2025, under Warner Classics. This extraordinary collection spans nearly four hours of captivating performances, showcasing Nelson's virtuosic conducting and his deep affinity for the romantic and dramatic works of the 18th and 19th centuries.
The album is a celebration of Hector Berlioz's prolific output, featuring excerpts from his dramatic légendes "Les nuits d'été," the grand opera "Les Troyens," and the choral masterpiece "Grande messe des morts." Nelson's interpretation of Berlioz's "Harold en Italie" and "Roméo et Juliette" is particularly noteworthy, offering a fresh perspective on these iconic works. The album also includes a live recording of the "Offertoire" and "Sanctus" from Berlioz's "Requiem," providing a glimpse into Nelson's dynamic live performances.
George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" is represented with a selection of arias and choruses, including the iconic "Hallelujah" chorus, showcasing Nelson's ability to bring out the grandeur and spiritual depth of Handel's music. The album also features Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's serene "Clarinet Concerto in A Major" and the lively "Horn Concerto No. 4 in E-Flat Major," demonstrating Nelson's versatility and attention to detail.
Felix Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is another highlight, with Nelson's interpretation bringing out the whimsical and enchanting qualities of this beloved score. The album concludes with a selection of operatic arias by Gioachino Rossini and Gaetano Donizetti, featuring some of the most beloved melodies in the operatic repertoire.
"An American in Paris" is not just a collection of classical pieces but a testament to John Nelson's artistic vision and his ability to connect with audiences through his music. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that is sure to delight and inspire.
Tracks
Berlioz: Les nuits d’été, Op. 7, H 81: No. 1, Villanelle, H 82Hector Berlioz, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg, John Nelson, Michael Spyres
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: Sinfonia. Grave - Allegro moderatoGeorge Frideric Handel, John Nelson, The English Concert
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: Accompagnato. "Comfort Ye, My People"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Michael Spyres, The English Concert
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: Chorus. "And the Glory of the Lord"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Choir of The English Concert, The English Concert
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: Aria. "The People That Walked in Darkness"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Matthew Brook, The English Concert
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: Pifa. Larghetto e mezzo pianoGeorge Frideric Handel, John Nelson, The English Concert
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 1: Duet. "He Shall Feed His Flock"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Alex Potter, Lucy Crowe, The English Concert
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: Aria. "Behold, and See"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Michael Spyres, The English Concert
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: Aria. "Why Do the Nations"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Matthew Brook, The English Concert
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 2: Chorus. "Hallelujah"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Choir of The English Concert, The English Concert
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3: Aria. "If God Be for Us"George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Lucy Crowe, The English Concert
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Appendix: Aria. "How Beautiful Are the Feet" (Alternate Version)George Frideric Handel, John Nelson, Alex Potter, The English Concert
Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust, Op. 24, H 111, Pt. 1: Marche hongroiseHector Berlioz, John Nelson, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust, Op. 24, H 111, Pt. 1: "Une puce gentille" (Méphistophélès, Chœur)Hector Berlioz, John Nelson, Nicolas Courjal, Coro Gulbenkian, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust, Op. 24, H 111, Pt. 2: Ballet des sylphesHector Berlioz, John Nelson, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust, Op. 24, H 111, Pt. 3: "Autrefois un roi de Thulé" (Marguerite)Hector Berlioz, John Nelson, Joyce DiDonato, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust, Op. 24, H 111, Pt. 3: Menuet des folletsHector Berlioz, John Nelson, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust, Op. 24, H 111, Pt. 4: "Nature immense" (Faust)Hector Berlioz, John Nelson, Michael Spyres, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622: I. AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Paul Meyer, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, John Nelson
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622: II. AdagioWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Paul Meyer, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, John Nelson
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622: III. Rondo. AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Paul Meyer, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, John Nelson
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: No. 1, ScherzoFelix Mendelssohn, John Nelson, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: No. 3, Song with Chorus. "Ye Spotted Snakes"Felix Mendelssohn, John Nelson, Joyce DiDonato, Le Jeune Choeur de Paris, Rebecca Evans, Wendy Greenhill, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: No. 7, NocturneFelix Mendelssohn, John Nelson, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris
Berlioz: Les Troyens, Op. 29, H 133, Act 1: "Ha ! Ha ! Après dix ans passés dans nos murailles" (Un soldat, Chœur)Hector Berlioz, John Nelson, Badischer Staatsopernchor, Choeur de l'Opéra national du Rhin, Chœur philharmonique de Strasbourg, Richard Rittelmann, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Berlioz: Les Troyens, Op. 29, H 133, Act 1: Combat de CesteHector Berlioz, John Nelson, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Berlioz: Les Troyens, Op. 29, H 133, Act 1: "Châtiment effroyable !" (Ascagne, Cassandre, Hécube, Énée, Hélénus, Chorèbe, Panthée, Priam, Chœur)Hector Berlioz, John Nelson, Agnieszka Slawinska, Badischer Staatsopernchor, Bertrand Grunenwald, Choeur de l'Opéra national du Rhin, Chœur philharmonique de Strasbourg, Marianne Crebassa, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Michael Spyres, Philippe Sly, Stanislas de Barbeyrac, Stéphane Degout, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Berlioz: Les Troyens, Op. 29, H 133, Act 5: "Ah ! Ah ! Je vais mourir" (Didon)Hector Berlioz, John Nelson, Joyce DiDonato, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Berlioz: Les Troyens, Op. 29, H 133, Act 5: "Adieu, fière cité" (Didon)Hector Berlioz, John Nelson, Joyce DiDonato, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Wagner: Wesendonck-Lieder: No. 5, Träume (Orch. Henze)Richard Wagner, Stephanie Blythe, John Nelson, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris
Handel: Serse, HWV 40, Act 1: Largo. "Ombra mai fù" (Serse)George Frideric Handel, Stephanie Blythe, John Nelson, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, Emmanuelle Haïm
Berlioz: Harold en Italie, Op. 16: III. Sérénade d'un montagnard des Abruzzes à sa maîtresseHector Berlioz, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg, John Nelson, Timothy Ridout
Mozart: Horn Concerto No. 4 in E-Flat Major, K. 495: I. Allegro moderatoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, David Guerrier, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, John Nelson
Mozart: Horn Concerto No. 4 in E-Flat Major, K. 495: II. Romance. Andante cantabileWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, David Guerrier, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, John Nelson
Mozart: Horn Concerto No. 4 in E-Flat Major, K. 495: III. Rondo. Allegro vivaceWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, David Guerrier, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, John Nelson
AmamakaZaki Nassif, Sœur Marie Keyrouz, John Nelson, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, Ensemble de la Paix
Berlioz: Roméo et Juliette, Op. 17, H 79, Pt. 1: Strophes. "Premiers transports que nul n’oublie !" - "Heureux enfants aux cœurs de flamme"Hector Berlioz, John Nelson, Joyce DiDonato, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Berlioz: Roméo et Juliette, Op. 17, H 79, Pt. 1: "Mab, la messagère fluette et légère" - "Bientôt la mort est souveraine"Hector Berlioz, John Nelson, Choeur de l'Opéra national du Rhin, Coro Gulbenkian, Cyrille Dubois, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Berlioz: Roméo et Juliette, Op. 17, H 79, Pt. 3: Serment. "Jurez donc par l’auguste symbole"Hector Berlioz, John Nelson, Christopher Maltman, Choeur de l'Opéra national du Rhin, Coro Gulbenkian, Orchestre Philharmonique De Strasbourg
Bach, JS: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2: No. 39, Aria. "Erbarme dich"Johann Sebastian Bach, Stephanie Blythe, John Nelson, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, Emmanuelle Haïm
Bach, JS: Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: Agnus DeiJohann Sebastian Bach, Stephanie Blythe, John Nelson, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, Emmanuelle Haïm
Berlioz: Grande messe des morts, Op. 5, H 75 "Requiem": VII. Offertoire - Domine (Live)Hector Berlioz, John Nelson, Philharmonia Chorus, London Philharmonic Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra
Berlioz: Grande messe des morts, Op. 5, H 75 "Requiem": IX. Sanctus (Live)Hector Berlioz, John Nelson, Michael Spyres, Philharmonia Chorus, London Philharmonic Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra
Mozart: Oboe Concerto in C Major, K. 271k "Ferlendis": I. AdagioWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, François Leleux, John Nelson, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris
Mozart: Oboe Concerto in C Major, K. 271k "Ferlendis": II. Adagio non troppoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, François Leleux, John Nelson, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris
Mozart: Oboe Concerto in C Major, K. 271k "Ferlendis": III. Rondo. AllegrettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, François Leleux, John Nelson, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris
Rossini: L'italiana in Algeri, Act 1: Cavatina. "Cruda sorte! Amor tiranno!" (Isabella)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, John Nelson
Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia, Act 1: "Il segreto per esser felici" (Orsini)Gaetano Donizetti, Vivica Genaux, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, John Nelson
Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act 1: Cavatina. "Una voce poco fa" (Rosina)Gioachino Rossini, Vivica Genaux, John Nelson, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris
Berlioz: Béatrice et Bénédict, H 138, Act 2: "Le vin de Syracuse" (Somarone, Chœur)Hector Berlioz, John Nelson, Chœur de l’Opéra de Lyon, Gabriel Bacquier, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
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