Dive into the enchanting world of French Connections, a captivating album by the renowned British tenor John Mark Ainsley, accompanied by the skilled pianist Malcolm Martineau. Released in 2016, this exquisite collection of 30 tracks spans a duration of one hour and nine minutes, offering a rich tapestry of choral and operatic masterpieces.
The album showcases a diverse range of compositions, including works by Benjamin Britten, Francis Poulenc, Jake Heggie, and Lennox Berkeley. Among the highlights are Britten's Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Poulenc's Tel jour telle nuit, and Heggie's Friendly Persuasions, each piece meticulously performed to bring out the depth and nuance of the original compositions.
John Mark Ainsley's velvety tenor voice is perfectly complemented by Malcolm Martineau's delicate piano playing, creating a harmonious blend that resonates with both classical aficionados and casual listeners. The album features a thoughtful selection of songs that explore themes of love, longing, and reflection, making it a timeless addition to any music collection.
French Connections is not just a collection of songs; it is a celebration of the enduring power of music to connect us across time and space. Whether you are a fan of classical music or simply appreciate beautiful melodies, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2015 Linn Records2015 Linn Records
Tracks
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: I. Lauds (Among the Leaves the Small Birds Sing)Lennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: II. O Lurcher-loving CollierLennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: III. What's in Your Mind, My Dove, My ConeyLennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: IV. Eyes Look into the WellLennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: V. Carry Her over the WaterLennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: I. Bonne journée j'ai revu qui je n'oublie pasFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: II. Une ruine coquille videFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: III. Le front comme un drapeau perduFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: IV. Une roulotte couverte en tuilesFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: V. À toutes brides toi dont le fantômeFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: VI. Une herbe pauvreFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: VII. Je n'ai envie que de t'aimerFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: VIII. Figure de force brûlante et faroucheFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: IX. Nous avons fait la nuitFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
FancyFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
FancieBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Friendly Persuasions: I. Wanda LandowskaJake Heggie, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Friendly Persuasions: II. Pierre BernacJake Heggie, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Friendly Persuasions: III. Raymonde LinossierJake Heggie, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Friendly Persuasions: IV. Paul ÉluardJake Heggie, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Bleuet, FP 102Francis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 1, O My Blacke Soule!Benjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 2, Batter My HeartBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 3, O Might Those Sighes and TearesBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 4, Oh, to Vex MeBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 5, What If This PresentBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 6, Since She Whom I LovedBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 7, At the Round Earth's Imagined CornersBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 8, Thou Hast Made MeBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 9, Death, Be Not ProudBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau