Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French opera with Magdalena Kožená's captivating album, "French Arias." Released in 2003 under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this collection showcases Kožená's remarkable vocal prowess and versatility, accompanied by the esteemed Mahler Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Marc Minkowski.
Spanning a diverse range of operatic works, this album features arias from beloved compositions such as "Carmen," "La Damnation de Faust," and "Les Contes d'Hoffmann." Kožená's luminous soprano voice brings to life the intricate emotions and narratives of these timeless pieces, offering a rich and immersive listening experience. The album's duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes provides a substantial journey through the elegance and drama of French opera.
Kožená's interpretation of these arias is marked by her exceptional artistry and deep musical insight. Her ability to convey the subtleties and nuances of each character is evident in every performance, making this album a testament to her extraordinary talent. The collaboration with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and Marc Minkowski adds an additional layer of depth and richness to the recordings, highlighting the intricate orchestrations and musical textures of these works.
Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "French Arias" offers a compelling introduction to the beauty and complexity of French opera. Kožená's captivating performances and the exquisite musicianship of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra make this album a standout in the classical music repertoire.
Le domino noir, Act III: Je suis sauvée enfin – Ah! quelle nuit! – Flamme vengeresseDaniel Auber, Magdalena Kožená, Jean-Christophe Keck, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski
Roméo et Juliette - original version / Act 3: Depuis hier je cherche en vain mon maîtreCharles Gounod, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
Cléopatre, Act III: J'ai versé le poison dans cette coupe d'orJules Massenet, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
Don Carlos / Act 2: Choeur et Scène: "Sous ces bois au feuillage immense"Giuseppe Verdi, Magdalena Kožená, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
Don Carlos / Act 2: Chanson du Voile: "Au palais des fées"Giuseppe Verdi, Marina Lodygensky, Magdalena Kožená, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
La Damnation de Faust, Op. 24 / Part 3: Le roi de Thulé (Chanson gothique). "Autrefois un roi de Thulé"Hector Berlioz, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski
L'heure espagnole, Comédie en un acte, M.52: Oh! la pitoyable aventure! (Scenes XVII-XIX)Maurice Ravel, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
Don Quichotte, Act IV: Lorsque le temps d'amour a fui – Par fortune! – Alza! Alza! Ne pensons qu'au plaisir d'aimerJules Massenet, Magdalena Kožená, Jean-Christophe Keck, Christophe Grapperon, Jean Zvellereiter, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski
Mignon / Act 1: Connais-tu le pays?Ambroise Thomas, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
La Dame blanche: Chut! Chut! écoutonsFrançois-Adrien Boieldieu, Magdalena Kožená, Jean-Christophe Keck, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski
Sapho - opera in 3 Acts / Act 3: Où suis-je?...O ma lyre immortelleCharles Gounod, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
Les Contes d'Hoffmann / Act 2: Voyez - la sous son éventailJacques Offenbach, Magdalena Kožená, Jean-Christophe Keck, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski
Cendrillon - Opera In 4 Acts - Lib. Cain After Perrault / Act 1: Ah! que mes soeurs sont heureuses!Jules Massenet, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
Carmen, Act II: Chanson bohème. Les tringles des sistres tintaientGeorges Bizet, Edwige Parat, Claire Delgado-Boge, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski