Janet Baker, the renowned mezzo-soprano celebrated for her rich, velvety voice and profound interpretive skills, presents a captivating collection of songs in "Janet Baker - Song Recital." Released on January 1, 1994, under Warner Classics, this album is a testament to her artistry, spanning a diverse repertoire that includes works by Fauré, Schubert, Strauss, and other notable composers.
The album opens with a series of mélodies by Gabriel Fauré, showcasing Baker's ability to convey the subtle nuances and poetic beauty of these French art songs. From the autumnal hues of "Automne" to the tender intimacy of "Notre amour," Baker's performances are marked by their lyrical depth and emotional resonance.
The recital also features works by British composers, including Charles Villiers Stanford's dramatic "La Belle Dame sans Merci" and Hubert Parry's evocative settings of English lyrics. Baker's renditions of these pieces highlight her versatility and command of the English language's rhythmic and melodic contours.
The album further delves into the romantic and pastoral landscapes of songs by Vaughan Williams, George Butterworth, and Ivor Gurney, offering a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. The inclusion of Britten's "Corpus Christi Carol" adds a sacred dimension to the collection, showcasing Baker's ability to infuse spiritual depth into her performances.
Schubert's lieder, with their profound emotional range, are a highlight of the album. Baker's interpretations of "Am Grabe Anselmo's," "Abendstern," and "Die Vögel" are particularly noteworthy, demonstrating her ability to capture the essence of Schubert's poetic and musical genius.
The album concludes with Richard Strauss's "Morgen!" and "Befreit," pieces that showcase Baker's dramatic prowess and her ability to convey a sense of liberation and hope.
With a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, "Janet Baker - Song Recital" is a comprehensive showcase of Baker's artistry, offering a rich and varied musical experience that is sure to captivate and inspire. This album is a must-listen for fans of classical vocal music and a fitting tribute to one of the greatest singers of the 20th century.
Fauré: 2 Mélodies, Op. 4: No. 1, Chanson du pêcheurGabriel Fauré, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Fauré: 2 Mélodies, Op. 46: No. 2, Clair de luneGabriel Fauré, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Stanford: La Belle dame sans merciCharles Villiers Stanford, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Parry: English Lyrics, Set No. 5: No. 2, Proud Maisie, "Proud Maisie is in the wood" (Allegretto)Hubert Parry, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Parry: English Lyrics, Set No. 2: No. 1, O Mistress Mine, "O mistress mine, where are you roaming?" (Allegretto)Hubert Parry, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Busch, William: RestWilliam Busch, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Warlock: Pretty Ring TimePeter Warlock, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Vaughan Williams: Linden LeaRalph Vaughan Williams, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Gurney: The Fields Are FullIvor Gurney, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Britten: Corpus Christi Carol (From A Boy Was Born, Op. 3)Benjamin Britten, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Ireland: Songs Sacred and Profane: No. 4, The Salley Gardens, "Down by the Salley Gardens" (At speaking pace)John Ireland, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Quilter: 3 Songs, Op. 3: No. 1, Love's Philosophy, "The fountains mingle with the river" (Very quick and passionate)Roger Quilter, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Schubert: Am Grabe Anselmo's, Op. 6 No. 3, D. 504Franz Schubert, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Schubert: Abendstern, D. 806Franz Schubert, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Schubert: Die Vögel, Op. Posth. 172 No. 6, D. 691Franz Schubert, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Schubert: Die Götter Griechenlands, D. 677Franz Schubert, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Schubert: Gondelfahrer, D. 808Franz Schubert, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
Schubert: Auflösung, D. 807Franz Schubert, Janet Baker, Gerald Moore
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