Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of French classical music with "L'art français du chant, Vol. 6" by the esteemed composer Jules Massenet. This captivating album, released on January 1, 2016, under the Forlane label, offers a meticulously curated collection of 17 tracks spanning a total duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes. Each piece is a testament to Massenet's enduring legacy and his profound impact on the classical music landscape.
The album showcases a diverse array of Massenet's operatic masterpieces, including excerpts from "Thaïs," "Manon," "Hérodiade," "Le jongleur de Notre-Dame," "Don Quichotte," and "Le Cid." These selections, performed by renowned artists such as Ernest Blanc, Fanny Heldy, and Germaine Feraldy, highlight the composer's unparalleled ability to blend lyrical beauty with dramatic intensity. The tracks span various years, from 1927 to 1963, offering a historical perspective on the evolution of Massenet's work and its enduring appeal.
Born on May 12, 1842, in Montaud (now a quarter of Saint-Étienne), Jules Massenet was a prolific composer whose works continue to captivate audiences worldwide. His compositions, characterized by their melodic richness and emotional depth, have left an indelible mark on the classical music canon. "L'art français du chant, Vol. 6" is not just a compilation of Massenet's works; it is a celebration of his artistic genius and a tribute to his enduring influence on French classical music.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a rewarding listening experience. Each track is a masterclass in composition, showcasing Massenet's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and narratives through his music. From the hauntingly beautiful arias to the dramatic duets, "L'art français du chant, Vol. 6" is a must-listen for anyone seeking to explore the depths of French classical music.
DOMForlane / DOM
Tracks
Thaïs: Voilà donc la terrible cité! (Air d'Athanaël) - 1961 VersionJules Massenet, Ernest Blanc, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire, Georges Prêtre
Manon: Je suis encore tout étourdie (Manon) - 1928 VersionJules Massenet, Germaine Féraldy, Orchestre Du Theatre National De L'Opera Comique, Elie Cohen
Manon: Mademoiselle… Je ne suis pas mauvaise, mais souvent (Duo de Manon et Des Grieux) - 1928 VersionJules Massenet, Joseph Rogatchevsky, Germaine Féraldy, Orchestre Du Theatre National De L'Opera Comique, Elie Cohen
Manon: Je ne suis que faiblesse… Adieu, notre petite table (Manon) - 1953 VersionJules Massenet, Martha Angelici, Orchestre Du Theatre National De L'Opera Comique, André Cluytens
Manon: En fermant les yeux, je vois (Des Grieux, Manon) - 1958 VersionJules Massenet, Alain Vanzo, Renee Doria, Orchestre Jésus Etcheverry, Jésus Etcheverry
Manon: Je marche sur tous les chemins (Manon) - 1951 VersionJules Massenet, Janine Micheau, Orchestre Du Theatre National De L'Opera Comique, Chœur du Théâtre national de l'Opéra-Comique, Albert Wolff
Manon: Je suis seul! seul enfin!... Ah! fuyez (Des Grieux) - 1930 VersionJules Massenet, César Vezzani, Orchestre Piero Coppola, Piero Coppola
Hérodiade: Il est doux, il est bon (Air de Salomé) - 1928 VersionJules Massenet, Ninon Vallin, Orchestre Gustave Cloëz, Gustave Cloez
Hérodiade: Venge-moi d’une suprême offense… Hérode! Ne me refuse pas (Hérodiade, Hérode) - 1963 VersionJules Massenet, Rita Gorr, Michel Dens, Orchestre du Théâtre National de l'Opéra de Paris, Georges Prêtre
Hérodiade: C’en est fait!... Demande au prisonnier (Hérode, Salomé) - 1955 Live VersionJules Massenet, Ernest Blanc, Régine Crespin, Orchestre De Jules Gressier, Jules Gressier
Hérodiade: Ne pouvant réprimer les élans de la foi (Jean) - 1927 VersionJules Massenet, Georges Thill, Orchestre Fernand Heurteur, Fernand Heurteur
Le jongleur de Notre-Dame: Dame des cieux… Ô liberté (Jean) - 1928 VersionJules Massenet, Charles Friant, Orchestre Gustave Cloëz, Gustave Cloez
Le jongleur de Notre-Dame: La Vierge entend fort bien (Boniface) - 1930 VersionJules Massenet, Vanni Marcoux, Orchestre Piero Coppola, Piero Coppola
Don Quichotte: Ô mon maître, ô mon Grand!... Écoute, mon ami (Sancho Pança, Don Quichotte, Dulcinée) - 1947 VersionJules Massenet, Lucien Lovano, André Pernet, Solange Michel, Orchestre lyrique de la Radiodiffusion nationale, Jules Gressier
Le Cid: Ô noble lame étincelant (Air de Rodrique) - 1933 VersionJules Massenet, Georges Thill, Orchestre Eugène Bigot, Eugène Bigot