Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été & Ravel: Shéhérazade by Régine Crespin

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting vocals of Régine Crespin with this exquisite collection of French art songs, featuring two seminal works from the classical repertoire. Recorded in Geneva in 1963 and remastered in 2023, this album showcases Crespin's renowned interpretive skills and stunning vocal prowess.

The first half of the album is dedicated to Hector Berlioz's "Les Nuits d'été," a song cycle that explores themes of love, longing, and nature. Crespin's nuanced performances bring out the poetic beauty of each text, accompanied by the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande under the baton of Ernest Ansermet. From the playful "Villanelle" to the haunting "Absence," Crespin's voice captivates with its warmth, clarity, and expressive range.

The second half of the album presents Maurice Ravel's "Shéhérazade," a trio of songs inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Crespin's rich, velvety voice is perfectly suited to these exotic and sensual settings, transporting listeners to distant lands and forbidden pleasures. The orchestral accompaniment, once again provided by the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, is lush and evocative, complementing Crespin's vocal artistry.

This album is a testament to Régine Crespin's enduring legacy as one of the greatest singers of the 20th century. Her performances of "Les Nuits d'été" and "Shéhérazade" are not to be missed by fans of French art song and classical vocal music. The remastered sound quality brings out every nuance of Crespin's voice and the orchestra's playing, making this a truly immersive listening experience.

May 16, 2023

2023 Alexandre Bak - Classical Music Reference Recording

About Régine Crespin

Régine Crespin, born in Marseilles in 1927, was a French soprano whose illustrious career spanned nearly four decades, from 1950 to 1989. She was the first French prima donna to achieve a truly international reputation following the Second World War, captivating audiences with her powerful and nuanced performances. Crespin's repertoire was vast, encompassing roles from Italian, French, German, and Russian operas across various musical periods. She was particularly renowned for her interpretations of Wagner and Strauss heroines, earning her the nickname 'the French cannon' from British engineers for her immense vocal power. Her voice was admired for its elegance, warmth, and subtlety, making her a reigning prima donna in the opera world. Crespin's career transitioned to mezzo-soprano roles in the 1970s due to vocal changes, showcasing her adaptability and enduring artistry.