Rêveries

• Main performer: Sylvia McNair
• Booklet languages: English
• Libretto languages: English, French
• Time: 61:00
• Release Date: 1997

Review

In Rêveries, Sylvia McNair and Roger Vignoles present a comprehensive survey of French mélodies, thoughtfully chosen and tastefully performed. Ranging from the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century, these selections are representative of the delicate and often introspective art songs written by the leading French composers of the period. Claude Debussy's impressionistic Ariettes oubliées establish a languorous mood that lasts for most of the program. Of these six numbers, only the lively "Paysages Belges" provides enough contrast to briefly lift the spell. The four Bizet songs by included are not exceptional pieces, though Adieu de l'hôtesse arabe is the most interesting of the group for its exoticism and inventive harmonic exploration. Olivier Messiaen's subjective Mélodies are simple settings of rather slender lyrics and are perhaps the least satisfying of the songs offered here. Gabriel Fauré's three songs are sentimental and richly harmonized, characteristic of fin-de-siècle expression and taste, though refined and free of gaudiness. The last six songs are fine examples of Francis Poulenc's melodic gifts, sophistication, and wit. The humorous Voyage à Paris is cast in a popular chanson style, and the three surrealistic Métamorphoses bring the program to a close with an ironic but light touch. ~ Blair Sanderson, Rovi

Performances

Composer	Title	Time
Claude Debussy	Ariettes oubliées (6), song cycle for voice & piano, L. 60 (No 1, C'est l'extase langoureuse)	3:01
Claude Debussy	Ariettes oubliées (6), song cycle for voice & piano, L. 60 (No 2, Il pleure dans mon coeur)	2:40
Claude Debussy	Ariettes oubliées (6), song cycle for voice & piano, L. 60 (No 3, L'ombre des arbres dans la rivière embrumée)	2:42
Claude Debussy	Ariettes oubliées (6), song cycle for voice & piano, L. 60 (No 4, Paysages belges: Chevaux de bois)	3:11
Claude Debussy	Ariettes oubliées (6), song cycle for voice & piano, L. 60 (No 5, Aquarelles: I: Green)	2:10
Claude Debussy	Ariettes oubliées (6), song cycle for voice & piano, L. 60 (No 6, Aquarelles: II: Spleen)	2:27
Georges Bizet	La Coccinelle, song for voice & piano (Vingt mélodies No. 16)	4:39
Georges Bizet	Adieu de l'hôtesse arabe: "Puis'que rein ne t'arrête en cet heureyx pays", song for voice & piano (Vingt mélodies No. 4)	4:48
Georges Bizet	Pastel, song for voice & piano (Seize mélodies, authorship uncertain)	3:51
Georges Bizet	Vous ne priez pas, song for voice & piano	5:05
Olivier Messiaen	Mélodies (3), for soprano & piano, I/4 (No1, Pourguoi)	2:09
Olivier Messiaen	Mélodies (3), for soprano & piano, I/4 (No 2, Le sourire)	1:37
Olivier Messiaen	Mélodies (3), for soprano & piano, I/4 (No 3, La fiancée perdue)	2:42
Gabriel Fauré	Rêve D'Amour ("S'il est in charmant gazon"), song for voice & piano in E flat major, Op. 5/2	2:35
Gabriel Fauré	Au bord de l'eau ("S'asseoir tous deux au bord du flot"), song for voice & piano, Op. 8/1	2:11
Gabriel Fauré	Notre amour, song for voice & piano, Op. 23/2	1:43
Francis Poulenc	Bleuet ("Jeune homme de vingt ans"), song for voice & piano, FP 102	3:26
Francis Poulenc	Banalités, song cycle for voice & piano, FP 107 (No 2, Hôtel)	2:13
Francis Poulenc	Banalités, song cycle for voice & piano, FP 107 (No 4, Voyage à Paris)	0:58
Francis Poulenc	Métamorphoses, song cycle for voice & piano, FP 121 (No 1, Reine des mouettes)	1:07
Francis Poulenc	Métamorphoses, song cycle for voice & piano, FP 121 (No 2, C'est ainsi que tu es)	2:38
Francis Poulenc	Métamorphoses, song cycle for voice & piano, FP 121 (No 3, Paganini)	1:10

Previous:	Rêverie: Musique francaise de la Belle Epoque
Next:	Rêveries Saxophone & Organ V