Janet Baker, the renowned mezzo-soprano, delivers a captivating performance in this 1994 compilation album, "Bach/Purcell/Rameau/Cavalli/Ravel/Chausson." The album is a testament to her extraordinary vocal range and interpretive skills, featuring a diverse selection of works from some of the most celebrated composers in classical music history.
Spanning a little over an hour, the album includes iconic pieces such as Henry Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" and Jean-Philippe Ravel's "Chansons madécasses." Baker's rendition of J.S. Bach's "Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust" from Cantata BWV 170 is particularly noteworthy, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotion and spiritual depth.
The album also features works by Jean-Baptiste Rameau, including selections from "Hippolyte et Aricie," and Maurice Ravel's "Trois Poèmes de Stéphane Mallarmé." Each piece is performed with Baker's signature clarity and expressiveness, accompanied by distinguished ensembles such as the English Chamber Orchestra and the Melos Ensemble.
This compilation is a must-listen for fans of classical music and opera, offering a rich tapestry of musical styles and periods. Janet Baker's artistry shines through in every track, making this album a timeless addition to any music collection.
Dido and Aeneas / Act 3: But death...When I am laid...With drooping wings...Henry Purcell, Janet Baker, The St. Anthony Singers, English Chamber Orchestra, Anthony Lewis
"Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust" Cantata, BWV 170: 1. "Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust"Johann Sebastian Bach, Janet Baker, Philip Ledger, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
La Calisto - Realization by Raymond Leppard. - Act 1: Ardo, sospiro e piangoFrancesco Cavalli, Janet Baker, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
Hippolyte et Aricie / Act 3: Cruelle mère des amoursJean-Philippe Rameau, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Anthony Lewis
Hippolyte et Aricie / Act 4: "Quelle plainte en ces lieux m'appelle?"Jean-Philippe Rameau, Janet Baker, The St. Anthony Singers, English Chamber Orchestra, Anthony Lewis, Thurston Dart
Trois Poèmes de Stéphane Mallarmé, M.64: 1. SoupirMaurice Ravel, Janet Baker, Melos Ensemble, Bernard Keeffe
Trois Poèmes de Stéphane Mallarmé, M.64: 2. Placet futileMaurice Ravel, Janet Baker, Melos Ensemble, Bernard Keeffe
Trois Poèmes de Stéphane Mallarmé, M.64: 3. Surgi de la croupe et du bondMaurice Ravel, Janet Baker, Melos Ensemble, Bernard Keeffe
Chansons madécasses, M. 78: 1. Andante quasi allegretto: NahandoveMaurice Ravel, Janet Baker, Melos Ensemble
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