Chabrier: Songs

Emmanuel Chabrier's "Chabrier: Songs" is a comprehensive collection of the composer's melodic works, released in 2002 under the Hyperion label. Spanning an impressive 2 hours and 34 minutes, this album features a staggering 43 songs, showcasing Chabrier's versatility and mastery of the mélodie genre. The album is performed by a stellar cast of vocalists, including Felicity Lott and Geraldine McGreevy, accompanied by the skilled Graham Johnson on piano, with additional support from the Polyphony ensemble.

Chabrier began composing these songs in his early twenties, with the first nine pieces dating back to 1862. The album offers a rich tapestry of Chabrier's musical evolution, from his early works to his more mature compositions. The tracklist is a delightful mix of well-known pieces and hidden gems, such as "L'Enfant," "Sérénade," "Le pas d'armes du roi Jean," and "L'invitation au voyage," alongside a selection of regional French songs from various provinces, each offering a unique glimpse into the local musical traditions.

The album is not just a collection of songs but also comes with an extensive booklet, providing over 120 pages of texts and notes, offering valuable insights into Chabrier's life, his compositions, and the historical context in which these songs were created. This makes "Chabrier: Songs" an invaluable resource for both casual listeners and serious music enthusiasts alike. The album is a testament to Chabrier's enduring appeal and his significant contributions to the French mélodie tradition.

Emmanuel Chabrier, born Alexis-Emmanuel Chabrier, was a French Romantic composer and pianist whose musical journey was as vibrant and captivating as the Parisian scene of the 1880s. Despite his bourgeois family's disapproval of a musical career, Chabrier's passion for music burned brightly from a young age, with his first compositions emerging when he was just eight years old. He initially pursued a career in law and worked as a civil servant, but his true calling was music. From 1880 onwards, he dedicated himself fully to composing, leaving behind a rich legacy of works that span opera, operetta, piano, orchestral music, and songs. Chabrier's music is renowned for its verve and wit, reflecting the lively spirit of the Parisian artistic scene. His orchestral works, such as "España," are particularly celebrated, showcasing his unique talent and enduring influence. Born in Ambert, in the Auvergne region of central France, Chabrier's musical genius was nurtured from a young age, ultimately leading him to become one of France's most beloved composers.