Classical Albums:
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'Été
- Main Performer: David Daniels
- Languages of Booklet Text: English, French, German
- Languages of Libertto: English, French, German
Review
Known for his offbeat repertory, David Daniels has done more than anyone else to demarginalize the countertenor voice, singing everything from lieder to jazz standards in the process. With his Les nuits d'été, an album of orchestral French songs, he strays farther from traditional territory than ever before. The result, while not a home run, is rewarding and enjoyable, and it validates Daniels' decision to lend his unusually warm and beautiful voice to a wider repertory.The Fauré and Ravel songs are the best things on the album, showcasing Daniels' knack for knowing what makes each song tick, both musically and interpretively: his "Mandoline" is both stylish and playful, and his "En sourdine" captures the magical intersection of love and the still night perfectly; the "Five Popular Greek Songs" are spirited and full of character. The Berlioz cycle isn't as successful, however, sounding short on orchestral sweep -- the strings especially sound anemic -- and vocal thrust. Not fatally short, but enough to make you reach for your old Janet Baker recordings. John Nelson is an accommodating, if not exciting, partner throughout, keeping the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris from overpowering Daniels' singing. But the three purely orchestral selections are disappointing, sounding foursquare and flat. Only Fauré's "Elégie" reaches any level of passion, thanks to cellist Guillaume Paoletti. ~ Allen Schrott, All Music Guide
