Nicky Spence's "Paradis Sur Terre," released on April 1, 2016, under the Chandos label, is a captivating exploration of French art song, spanning a little over an hour of enchanting music. This album showcases Spence's versatility and artistry, featuring a diverse collection of pieces that range from sacred prayers to romantic melodies.
The album opens with "Les prières," a set of three sacred songs that demonstrate Spence's ability to convey deep spiritual devotion. Following this, "Clairières dans le ciel," a cycle of twelve songs, takes the audience on a journey through love, loss, and longing. Each song in this cycle is a miniature masterpiece, showcasing Spence's nuanced storytelling and expressive phrasing.
Spence's interpretation of "Trois Mélodies de Verlaine" is a highlight of the album, with his sensitive and evocative delivery bringing the poetry of Paul Verlaine to life. The album also includes several standalone songs, such as "Ronde d'amour," "Mignonne," and "Villanelle," each offering a unique glimpse into Spence's musical world.
The album concludes with "L'Été," a beautiful and evocative setting of a poem by Guillaume Apollinaire. This final track leaves a lasting impression, showcasing Spence's ability to convey the full range of human emotion through his singing.
Throughout "Paradis Sur Terre," Nicky Spence's voice is a constant source of delight, his tone warm and inviting, and his technique flawless. Whether he is singing of love, loss, or the beauty of nature, Spence's artistry shines through, making this album a truly memorable listening experience.
Tracks
Les prières: I. Oraison dominicaleAndre Caplet, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Les prières: II. Salutation angéliqueAndre Caplet, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Les prières: III. Symbole des ApôtresAndre Caplet, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Clairières dans le ciel: I. Elle était descendue au bas de la prairieLili Boulanger, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Clairières dans le ciel: II. Elle est gravement gaieLili Boulanger, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Clairières dans le ciel: III. Parfois, je suis tristeLili Boulanger, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Clairières dans le ciel: IV. Un poète disaitLili Boulanger, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Clairières dans le ciel: V. Au pied de mon litLili Boulanger, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Clairières dans le ciel: VI. Si tout ceci n'est qu'un pauvre rêveLili Boulanger, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Clairières dans le ciel: VII. Nous nous aimerons tantLili Boulanger, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Clairières dans le ciel: VIII. Vous m'avez regardé avec toute votre âmeLili Boulanger, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Clairières dans le ciel: IX. Les lilas qui avaient fleuriLili Boulanger, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Clairières dans le ciel: X. Deux ancoliesLili Boulanger, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Clairières dans le ciel: XI. Par ce que j'ai souffertLili Boulanger, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Clairières dans le ciel: XII. Je garde une médaille d'elleLili Boulanger, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Clairières dans le ciel: XIII. Demain fera un anLili Boulanger, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Trois Melodies de Verlaine, L. 81, CD 85: I. La mer est plus belleClaude Debussy, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Trois Melodies de Verlaine, L. 81, CD 85: II. Le son du cor s'afflige vers les boisClaude Debussy, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
Trois Melodies de Verlaine, L. 81, CD 85: III. L'échelonnement des haiesClaude Debussy, Nicky Spence, Malcolm Martineau
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