Dive into the mesmerizing world of classical vocal artistry with Dame Janet Baker's timeless album, featuring a captivating collection of works by Berlioz, Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Respighi. Released on January 1, 1998, under Warner Classics, this album showcases Baker's extraordinary range and depth as a vocalist, spanning a duration of 2 hours and 18 minutes.
The album opens with Berlioz's "Les Nuits d'été," a cycle of six songs that beautifully displays Baker's ability to convey a spectrum of emotions, from longing and melancholy to hope and joy. The selection continues with Berlioz's "Irlande," "La captive orientale," and "Feuillets d'album," each piece highlighting Baker's mastery of dramatic and lyrical expression.
Mendelssohn's "Psalm XLII" is presented in its entirety, offering a profound exploration of spiritual yearning and comfort. Baker's interpretation of this choral work is both powerful and nuanced, demonstrating her exceptional skill in blending with the ensemble while also standing out as a soloist. The album also includes Mendelssohn's "Infelice," a poignant solo piece that showcases Baker's ability to convey deep sorrow and longing.
Brahms' "Alto Rhapsody" is a highlight of the album, with Baker delivering a performance that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. The piece's rich harmonies and complex rhythms are handled with grace and precision, showcasing Baker's exceptional vocal control.
The album concludes with Respighi's "La sensitiva," a delicate and evocative piece that provides a fitting finale to this remarkable collection. Throughout the album, Baker's voice is a constant source of wonder, her ability to convey the full range of human emotion through song is truly extraordinary. This album is a testament to her enduring legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century.
Tracks
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: I. Villanelle, H 82bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: II. Le spectre de la rose, H 83bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: III. Sur les lagunes, H 84bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: IV. Absence, H 85bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: V. Au cimetière, H 86bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: VI. L'île inconnue, H 87bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Irlande, Op. 2, H 38: IV. La belle voyageuse, H 42aHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: La captive orientale, Op. 12, H 60fHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Feuillets d'album, Op. 9, H 121: I. Zaïde, H 107bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 1, Chor. "Wie der Hirsch schreit"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 2, Arie. "Meine Seele dürstet"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 3, Rezitativ, Arie und Chor. "Meine Tränen sind meine Speise"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 4, Chor. "Was betrübst du dich"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 5, Rezitativ. "Mein Gott, betrübt ist meine Seele"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 6, Quintetto. "Der Herr hat des Tages verheißen"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, Janet Baker, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 7, Schlusschor. "Was betrübst du dich, meine Seele"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Infelice, Op. 94, MWV H5Felix Mendelssohn, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Brahms: Alto Rhapsody, Op. 53Johannes Brahms, Janet Baker, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Vier Gesange Op. 17: Es tont ein voller HarfenklangJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Vier Gesange Op. 17: Lied von ShakespeareJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Vier Gesange Op. 17: Der GartnerJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Vier Gesange Op. 17: Gesang aus FingalJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Respighi: La sensitiva, P. 104: "Cresceva in un giardino, sola, una sensitiva"Ottorino Respighi, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
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