Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Louis Théodore Gouvy with his captivating album of songs, released on September 2, 2014, under the Toccata Classics label. This exquisite collection showcases Gouvy's mastery of vocal composition, featuring a rich tapestry of works drawn from his "Poésies de Ronsard" and "La Pleiade française" series. The album spans a generous 74 minutes, offering a deep dive into the romantic and poetic essence of Gouvy's musical language.
Gouvy, a prolific composer of the Romantic era, brings to life the timeless poetry of Pierre de Ronsard through his evocative melodies and harmonies. Each track is a delicate blend of lyricism and musical sophistication, performed with exquisite sensitivity by a trio of talented vocalists: soprano Sarah Maria Sun, mezzo-soprano Hanna Herfurtner, and tenor Christoph Genster. The album is a testament to Gouvy's ability to capture the nuances of human emotion and the beauty of the natural world, making it a treasure for both classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre.
The album features a diverse range of compositions, from the tender "A Olive" to the lively "Que dites-vous, que faites-vous, mignonne," each piece showcasing Gouvy's unique voice and his deep connection to the poetry of Ronsard. Whether you're a seasoned classical music fan or simply looking to explore the rich tapestry of Romantic-era vocal music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2014 Toccata Classics2014 Toccata Classics
Tracks
La Pleiade francaise, Op. 48: No. 1. A OliveLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
9 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 41: No. 4. Voici le boisLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
La Pleiade francaise, Op. 48: No. 2. Nymphes, melez vos plus vermeilles rosesLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
9 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 41: No. 7. Que dites-vous, que faites-vous, mignonneLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
6 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 42: No. 3. Je ne saurais aimer autre que vousLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
La Pleiade francaise, Op. 48: No. 3. Doux rossignol, c'est toi!Louis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
6 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 42: No. 5. A HeleneLouis Théodore Gouvy, John Elwes, Joel Schoenhals
9 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 41: No. 8. Quand je pense a ce jourLouis Théodore Gouvy, John Elwes, Joel Schoenhals
9 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 41: No. 1. AubadeLouis Théodore Gouvy, John Elwes, Joel Schoenhals
8 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 44: No. 1. A MargueriteLouis Théodore Gouvy, John Elwes, Joel Schoenhals
9 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 41: No. 2. Prends cette roseLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
La Pleiade francaise, Op. 48: No. 5. Pere du doux reposLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
8 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 44: No. 5. Vous meprisez natureLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
9 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 41: No. 5. Je compare a ta jeune beauteLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
6 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 42: No. 2. Le rossignolLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
8 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 44: No. 4. L'attrait de tes beaux yeuxLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
7 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 47: No. 1. Page, suis-moiLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
6 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 42: No. 1. Je meurs, helas!Louis Théodore Gouvy, John Elwes, Joel Schoenhals
6 Odes de Ronsard, Op. 37: No. 1. Chere Vesper, lumiere doreeLouis Théodore Gouvy, John Elwes, Joel Schoenhals
9 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 41: No. 3. Amour, amour, que ma maitresse est belleLouis Théodore Gouvy, John Elwes, Joel Schoenhals
9 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 41: No. 6. Amour me tueLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
7 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 47: No. 5. AdieuLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
6 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 42: No. 6. ChansonLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
7 Poesies de Ronsard, Op. 47: No. 6. Le doux sommeilLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
La Pleiade francaise, Op. 48: No. 6. Fuirai-je ainsi toujoursLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
La Pleiade francaise, Op. 48: No. 11. Tel qu'un rocherLouis Théodore Gouvy, MeeAe Nam, Joel Schoenhals
Louis Théodore Gouvy, born in the Saarland town of Goffontaine in 1819, was a French/German composer who made a significant mark on the musical landscape of the 19th century. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Gouvy was not a child prodigy, but his dedication and talent eventually led him to become an eminent figure in the French musical establishment during the 1870s and 1880s. Hailing from a French-speaking industrialist family, Gouvy's musical journey was one of growth and perseverance.
Gouvy is renowned for his extensive body of work, particularly his seven symphonies, which set him apart as one of the few French composers of his time to focus on abstract instrumental music. His compositions, which include a substantial amount of piano music, often for four hands, showcase his unique voice and mastery of the form. Beyond his symphonies, Gouvy's catalog is diverse, featuring operas and other orchestral works that continue to captivate audiences today. His music, characterized by its depth and emotional resonance, offers a rich listening experience that transcends time.
Vinylscout
Louis Théodore Gouvy
