John Mark Ainsley, renowned for his distinctive voice and profound musicality, presents "French Connections," a captivating exploration of choral and operatic works that delve into the rich tapestry of French and English poetry. Released on Linn Records in April 2016, this album is a testament to Ainsley's versatility and artistry, spanning a little over an hour and nine minutes of enchanting performances.
The album opens with Benjamin Britten's "Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53," a cycle that showcases Ainsley's ability to convey the depth and nuance of Auden's poetry. Following this, the album transitions into Francis Poulenc's "Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86," a collection of songs that highlight Ainsley's mastery of the French language and his knack for bringing out the emotional core of each piece.
Ainsley's repertoire extends to include works by other notable composers such as Maurice Ravel and John Donne. The album features Ravel's "Fancy" and "Fancie," as well as "Friendly Persuasions," a set of songs that pays homage to various influential figures. The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35, are also included, demonstrating Ainsley's ability to tackle a wide range of styles and periods.
Throughout "French Connections," John Mark Ainsley's voice shines, whether he is delivering the intricate phrasing of Poulenc's songs or the profound intensity of Britten's settings. This album is a must-listen for fans of choral and operatic music, offering a unique blend of poetic expression and musical brilliance.
Tracks
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: I. Lauds (Among the Leaves the Small Birds Sing)Lennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: II. O Lurcher-loving CollierLennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: III. What's in Your Mind, My Dove, My ConeyLennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: IV. Eyes Look into the WellLennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: V. Carry Her over the WaterLennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: I. Bonne journée j'ai revu qui je n'oublie pasFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: II. Une ruine coquille videFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: III. Le front comme un drapeau perduFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: IV. Une roulotte couverte en tuilesFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: V. À toutes brides toi dont le fantômeFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: VI. Une herbe pauvreFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: VII. Je n'ai envie que de t'aimerFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: VIII. Figure de force brûlante et faroucheFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: IX. Nous avons fait la nuitFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
FancyFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
FancieBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Friendly Persuasions: I. Wanda LandowskaJake Heggie, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Friendly Persuasions: II. Pierre BernacJake Heggie, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Friendly Persuasions: III. Raymonde LinossierJake Heggie, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Friendly Persuasions: IV. Paul ÉluardJake Heggie, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Bleuet, FP 102Francis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 1, O My Blacke Soule!Benjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 2, Batter My HeartBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 3, O Might Those Sighes and TearesBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 4, Oh, to Vex MeBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 5, What If This PresentBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 6, Since She Whom I LovedBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 7, At the Round Earth's Imagined CornersBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 8, Thou Hast Made MeBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 9, Death, Be Not ProudBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection or have been spinning for years, the right turntable makes all the difference. We've selected the best options for every budget.
Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.
We don't have a live price right now, but stock fluctuates daily. You can check for hidden stock on Amazon directly, or let us alert you as soon as it is available.
