Weightless, floating sounds, far removed from any earthbound striving for a home key and eluding any measurable emphases; a dazzlingly bright play of colors in instrumentation and impressionist tones, combined with that affectionate, softly melodic character of the French language - that is what constitutes the special charm of the French art-song. Audibly very different from the German Lied of the Romantic and Late Romantic periods, it's extremes are filled with tensions and delightful contrasts. In the concert repertoire on the German side of the Rhine, however, French solo and choral songs have remained something exotic. This selection of the finest examples from the oeuvre of both brilliant composers, written at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, offers music full of grace and impressionistic esprit that remains unique in the history of composition and art. The cantata La Damoiselle Ã©lue was the first major success of the young Claude Debussy; appreciated for it's beauty and tenderness, it is heard here for the first time in Howard Arman's version with two pianos, based equally on the orchestral score and Debussy's own, independent piano version. It is joined by several of Debussy's solo and choral songs. "L'ombre des arbres dans la riviÃ¨re embrumÃ©e", the poem by the symbolist lyricist Paul Verlaine, also hinges equally between Debussy and Hahn: it was masterfully set to music by both within a brief time period. The solo songs are performed by renowned soprano Christiane Karg, accompanied by Gerold Huber on the piano. In his song and choral cycle Ã‰tudes latines, Reynaldo Hahn resurrected antiquity. Recreating such music not only gave the composer inspiration but also great freedom. The piano accompaniment is restrained as far as possible. These serious and tender songs reflect on the life journeys taken by a person.

Tracklist:

Salut Printemps, L. 24 (Arr. M. Gaillard For Women's Choir & Piano)
La Damoiselle Élue, L. 62: Prélude
La Damoiselle Élue, L. 62: La Damoiselle Élue S'appuyait
La Damoiselle Élue, L. 62: Je Voudrais Qu'il Fut Déjà Près De Moi
La Damoiselle Élue, L. 62: La Lumière Tressaillit De Son Côté
Les Angélus, L. 76 (Transcr. C. Gottwald For Women's Choir)
Ariettes Oubliées, L. 60: No. 3, L'ombre Des Arbres
7 Chansons Grises: No. 6, Paysage Triste
Études Latines: No. 1, Lydie
Études Latines: No. 2, Néère
Études Latines: No. 3, Salinum
Études Latines: No. 4, Thaliarque
Études Latines: No. 5, Lydé
Études Latines: No. 6, Vile Potabis
Études Latines: No. 7, Tyndaris
Études Latines: No. 8, Pholoé
Études Latines: No. 9, Phidylé
Études Latines: No. 10, Phyllis

UPC: 4035719005295
Label: Br Klassiks
Release Date: 1.7.22
Format: CD

Debussy / Karg / Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks - Choral Works (CD)