"Visions Illuminées" is a captivating choral album released by the 12 Ensemble on February 17, 2023, under the Signum Records label. This exquisite collection of 26 tracks spans a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, showcasing the ensemble's remarkable artistry and musical prowess.
The album features a stellar lineup of performers, including the renowned soprano Mary Bevan, the Ruisi Quartet, and pianist Joseph Middleton. Together, they bring to life a diverse repertoire of works, ranging from the ethereal "2 Mélodies, Op. 46: II. Clair de lune" to the dynamic "Les Illuminations, Op. 18" and the enchanting "Sérénades."
Each piece is meticulously arranged, with notable contributions from composer Robin Holloway, who has crafted arrangements for soprano, piano, and ensemble. The album's recording quality is exceptional, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the rich, golden tones of Mary Bevan's voice and the sparkling performances of the 12 Ensemble and Ruisi Quartet.
"Visions Illuminées" is a testament to the collaborative spirit and musical excellence of the 12 Ensemble and their esteemed collaborators. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling journey through a world of sound that is both mesmerizing and deeply moving.
(C) 2023 Signum Classics(P) 2023 Signum Records
Tracks
2 Mélodies, Op. 46: II. Clair de luneGabriel Fauré, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: I. FanfareBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: II. VillesBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: IIIa. PhraseBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: IIIb. AntiqueBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: IV. RoyautéBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: V. MarineBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: VI. InterludeBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: VII. Being beauteousBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: VIII. ParadeBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: IX. DépartBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble
I. Les grands vents venus d’outre-mer - Arr. for Soprano, Piano & Ensemble by Robin HollowayMaurice Ravel, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble, Joseph Middleton
II. Un grand sommeil noir - Arr. for Soprano, Piano & Ensemble by Robin HollowayBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble, Joseph Middleton
Si morne - Arr. for Soprano, Piano & Ensemble by Robin HollowayBenjamin Britten, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble, Joseph Middleton
Chanson TristeHenri Duparc, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble
Tes yeux bleusEmmanuel Chabrier, Mary Bevan, 12 Ensemble
Chanson perpétuelle, Op. 37Ernest Chausson, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton, Ruisi Quartet
Trois mélodies de Verlaine, L. 85: I. La mer est plus belle - Arr. for Soprano and Piano Quintet by Robin HollowayClaude Debussy, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton, Ruisi Quartet
Mandoline, L. 43 - Arr. for Soprano and Piano Quintet by Robin HollowayClaude Debussy, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton, Ruisi Quartet
Trois mélodies de Verlaine, L. 85: II. Le son du cor s’afflige - Arr. for Soprano and Piano Quintet by Robin HollowayClaude Debussy, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton, Ruisi Quartet
Trois mélodies de Verlaine, L. 85: III. L’échelonnement des haies - Arr. for Soprano and Piano Quintet by Robin HollowayClaude Debussy, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton, Ruisi Quartet
Sérénades: I. Sérénade printanièreAugusta Holmés, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton, Ruisi Quartet
Sérénades: II. Sérénade d’ÉtéAugusta Holmés, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton, Ruisi Quartet
Sérénades: III. Sérénade d’AutomneAugusta Holmés, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton, Ruisi Quartet
Sérénades: IV. Sérénade d’HiverAugusta Holmés, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton, Ruisi Quartet
Sérénades: V. Sérénade de toujoursAugusta Holmés, Mary Bevan, Joseph Middleton, Ruisi Quartet