Indulge in the enchanting voice of Magdalena Kožená on her 2019 album "Soirée," a captivating collection of 30 songs that span a rich tapestry of classical genres and styles. This exquisite album, released under the prestigious Pentatone label, showcases Kožená's remarkable mezzo-soprano talents alongside a stellar ensemble of musicians, including her husband Sir Simon Rattle on the piano.
"Soirée" is a delightful journey through the works of renowned composers such as Dvořák, Janáček, Brahms, Ravel, Stravinsky, and more. The album opens with Ernest Chausson's "Chanson perpétuelle," beautifully arranged for mezzo-soprano and piano quintet, setting the stage for a diverse and engaging musical experience. Kožená's rendition of Dvořák's "Gypsy Songs," arranged by Duncan Ward, and Janáček's whimsical "Nursery Rhymes" are standout performances that highlight her versatility and deep connection to her musical roots.
The album's intimate and personal atmosphere is further enhanced by the inclusion of lesser-known works, such as Brahms' "2 Songs, Op. 91" and Ravel's "Chansons Madécasses." Kožená's ability to breathe new life into these pieces is a testament to her artistry and the exceptional arrangements by Duncan Ward and Alexander Reimann.
With a duration of just over an hour, "Soirée" is a perfect addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. The album's high-quality SACD release ensures an immersive listening experience, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the intricate details and nuances of Kožená's performances. Whether you're a longtime fan of Magdalena Kožená or discovering her talents for the first time, "Soirée" is an album that will captivate and inspire.
2019 Pentatone Music B.V.2019 Pentatone Music B.V.
Tracks
Chanson perpétuelle, Op. 37 (Version for Mezzo-Soprano & Piano Quintet)Ernest Chausson, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 1, Ma piseu zas mi laskou zniAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 2, Sirokymi rukavyAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 3, Me srdce castoAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 4, Zalo dievcaAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 5, Kdyz mne stara matkaAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 6, Struna naladenaAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
In Folk Tone, Op. 73, B. 146 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 7, Dobru nocAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
2 Songs, Op. 91: No. 1, Gestillte SehnsuchtJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Yulia Deyneka
2 Songs, Op. 91: No. 2, Geistliches WiegenliedJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Yulia Deyneka
3 Songs from William Shakespeare: No. 1, Musick to heareIgor Stravinsky, Magdalena Kožená, Yulia Deyneka, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
3 Songs from William Shakespeare: No. 2, Full fadom fiveIgor Stravinsky, Magdalena Kožená, Yulia Deyneka, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
3 Songs from William Shakespeare: No. 3, When Daisies piedIgor Stravinsky, Magdalena Kožená, Yulia Deyneka, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Chansons Madécasses, M. 78: No. 1, NahandoveMaurice Ravel, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Kaspar Zehnder, David Adorján
Chansons Madécasses, M. 78: No. 2, AouaMaurice Ravel, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Kaspar Zehnder, David Adorján
Chansons Madécasses, M. 78: No. 3, Il est douxMaurice Ravel, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Kaspar Zehnder, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 1, Wie erkenn' ich dein TreuliebJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 2, Sein Leichenhemd weiß wie Schnee zu sehnJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 3Johannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 4, Sie trugen ihn auf der Bahre bloßJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 5, Und kommt er nicht mehr zurück?Johannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 1, The mole creepsLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 2, Karel rode off to hellLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 3, Franta, the knacker's sonLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 4, Children, hear my sermonLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 5, Ho ho, off the cows goLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 6, The white goatLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 7, Vacek scallywagLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 8, Frantik, FrantikLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
4 Songs, Op. 27, TrV 170: No. 4, Morgen! (Arr. for Mezzo-Soprano, Violin & Piano by Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle & Wolfram Brandl)Richard Strauss, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl
Magdalena Kožená, Lady Rattle, is a celebrated Czech mezzo-soprano renowned for her captivating performances and versatile repertoire. Born in Brno, Kožená honed her craft at the Brno Conservatory and later under the guidance of Eva Bláhová at Bratislava's Academy. Her discography is as impressive as her stage presence, with a recent highlight being her album 'Czech Songs', a collaborative effort with the Czech Philharmonic and Sir Simon Rattle, which delves into the rich tradition of Czech folk music. Kožená is also a sought-after recitalist, frequently collaborating with esteemed pianists such as Mitsuko Uchida. Her ability to interpret a wide range of compositions, from Debussy and Messiaen to Mahler, has solidified her status as one of the most acclaimed singers of our time.
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Magdalena Kožená
