Experience the enchanting vocals of Barbara Hendricks in this captivating collection of art songs and mélodies, featuring works by Berlioz, Britten, Duparc, and Ravel. Released in 2008 under Warner Classics, this album is a testament to Hendricks' renowned artistry and versatility, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 51 minutes across 33 tracks.
The album opens with Hector Berlioz's "Les Nuits d'été," a cycle of six songs that showcase Hendricks' expressive range and technical prowess. Following this, Benjamin Britten's "Les illuminations" offers a stark contrast with its modernist sensibilities and evocative imagery. The album then delves into the lush harmonies and exoticism of Maurice Ravel's songs, including "Shéhérazade" and selections from his Mélodies hébraïques and Mélodies populaires grecques. The album concludes with a set of songs by Henri Duparc, known for his refined and introspective style.
Hendricks' performance is accompanied by distinguished orchestras and conductors, including the Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon and the English Chamber Orchestra, under the batons of John Eliot Gardiner and Sir Colin Davis. This album is a stunning display of Hendricks' vocal mastery and her deep understanding of these diverse repertoires, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: I. Villanelle, H 82bHector Berlioz, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: II. Le spectre de la rose, H 83bHector Berlioz, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: III. Sur les lagunes, H 84bHector Berlioz, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: IV. Absence, H 85bHector Berlioz, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: V. Au cimetière, H 86bHector Berlioz, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: VI. L'île inconnue, H 87bHector Berlioz, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 1, FanfareBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 2, VillesBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 3a, PhraseBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 3b, AntiqueBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 4, RoyautéBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 5, MarineBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 6, InterludeBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 7, Being BeauteousBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 8, ParadeBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 9, DépartBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Ravel: Shéhérazade, M. 41: I. AsieMaurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Ravel: Shéhérazade, M. 41: II. La flûte enchantéeMaurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Ravel: Shéhérazade, M. 41: III. L'indifférentMaurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Ravel: 2 Mélodies hébraïques, M. A 22: No. 1, KaddischMaurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Ravel: 2 Mélodies hébraïques, M. A 22: No. 2, L'énigme éternelleMaurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Ravel: 5 Mélodies populaires grecques: No. 1, Chanson de la mariée, M. A 9Maurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Ravel: 5 Mélodies populaires grecques: No. 2, Là-bas, vers l'église, M. A 10Maurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Ravel: 5 Mélodies populaires grecques: No. 3, Quel galant m'est comparable, M. A 4Maurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Ravel: 5 Mélodies populaires grecques: No. 4, Chanson des cueilleuses de lentisques, M. A 5Maurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Ravel: 5 Mélodies populaires grecques: No. 5, Tout gai !, M. A 11Maurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Ravel: Vocalise-étude en forme de habanera, M. 51Maurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Duparc: L'Invitation au voyageHenri Duparc, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Duparc: Au pays où se fait la guerreHenri Duparc, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Duparc: La vie antérieure: "J'ai longtemps habité sous de vastes portiques" (Lent et solennel)Henri Duparc, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Duparc: Le manoir de Rosamonde: "De sa dent soudaine et vorace" (Assez vif et avec force)Henri Duparc, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Duparc: Phidylé: "L'herbe est molle au sommeil sous les frais peupliers" (Lent et calme)Henri Duparc, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Duparc: Chanson triste: "Dans ton coeur dort un clair de lune" (Lent, avec un sentiment tendre et intime)Henri Duparc, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Barbara Hendricks, born in Stephens, Arkansas, is an acclaimed American lyric soprano renowned for her powerful performances and humanitarian efforts. With a background in chemistry and mathematics, Hendricks transitioned to a stellar singing career, debuting in 1974 and quickly gaining acclaim for her operatic roles. Her repertoire spans opera, classical, and jazz genres, showcasing her versatility and artistic depth. Hendricks has been a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador since 1987, using her platform to advocate for human rights and support refugees worldwide. She has resided in Europe since 1977, making Basel her home since 1985, and is a Swedish citizen. Hendricks' commitment to both her art and her humanitarian work makes her a beloved figure on the global stage.
Vinylscout
Barbara Hendricks
