Experience the enchanting vocals of Barbara Hendricks in this exquisite collection of songs by Berlioz, Britten, Duparc, and Ravel. Released on November 3, 2008, under Warner Classics, this album is a testament to Hendricks' remarkable range and artistry, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 51 minutes.
The album opens with Hector Berlioz's "Les Nuits d'été," a cycle of six songs that showcases Hendricks' ability to convey deep longing and introspection. Following this, Benjamin Britten's "Les illuminations" offers a stark contrast with its vivid, almost cinematic, depictions of urban life and surreal imagery. The album then transitions into Maurice Ravel's works, including the evocative "Shéhérazade" and the charming "5 Mélodies populaires grecques," each piece highlighting Hendricks' versatility and technical prowess.
Henri Duparc's songs, including the hauntingly beautiful "L'Invitation au voyage" and the dramatic "Le manoir de Rosamonde," round out the collection, demonstrating Hendricks' ability to navigate both delicate and powerful expressions. Throughout the album, Hendricks' voice is accompanied by exquisite orchestrations, bringing each composer's unique vision to life.
This album is a celebration of Hendricks' enduring legacy as one of the most respected sopranos of her generation, offering a rich and varied listening experience that will captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: I. Villanelle, H 82bHector Berlioz, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: II. Le spectre de la rose, H 83bHector Berlioz, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: III. Sur les lagunes, H 84bHector Berlioz, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: IV. Absence, H 85bHector Berlioz, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: V. Au cimetière, H 86bHector Berlioz, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: VI. L'île inconnue, H 87bHector Berlioz, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 1, FanfareBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 2, VillesBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 3a, PhraseBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 3b, AntiqueBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 4, RoyautéBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 5, MarineBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 6, InterludeBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 7, Being BeauteousBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 8, ParadeBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Britten: Les illuminations, Op. 18: No. 9, DépartBenjamin Britten, Barbara Hendricks, Sir Colin Davis, English Chamber Orchestra
Ravel: Shéhérazade, M. 41: I. AsieMaurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Ravel: Shéhérazade, M. 41: II. La flûte enchantéeMaurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Ravel: Shéhérazade, M. 41: III. L'indifférentMaurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Ravel: 2 Mélodies hébraïques, M. A 22: No. 1, KaddischMaurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Ravel: 2 Mélodies hébraïques, M. A 22: No. 2, L'énigme éternelleMaurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Ravel: 5 Mélodies populaires grecques: No. 1, Chanson de la mariée, M. A 9Maurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Ravel: 5 Mélodies populaires grecques: No. 2, Là-bas, vers l'église, M. A 10Maurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Ravel: 5 Mélodies populaires grecques: No. 3, Quel galant m'est comparable, M. A 4Maurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Ravel: 5 Mélodies populaires grecques: No. 4, Chanson des cueilleuses de lentisques, M. A 5Maurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Ravel: 5 Mélodies populaires grecques: No. 5, Tout gai !, M. A 11Maurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Ravel: Vocalise-étude en forme de habanera, M. 51Maurice Ravel, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Duparc: L'Invitation au voyageHenri Duparc, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Duparc: Au pays où se fait la guerreHenri Duparc, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Duparc: La vie antérieure: "J'ai longtemps habité sous de vastes portiques" (Lent et solennel)Henri Duparc, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Duparc: Le manoir de Rosamonde: "De sa dent soudaine et vorace" (Assez vif et avec force)Henri Duparc, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Duparc: Phidylé: "L'herbe est molle au sommeil sous les frais peupliers" (Lent et calme)Henri Duparc, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Duparc: Chanson triste: "Dans ton coeur dort un clair de lune" (Lent, avec un sentiment tendre et intime)Henri Duparc, Barbara Hendricks, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Barbara Hendricks is an acclaimed American lyric soprano renowned for her powerful voice and versatility across opera, jazz, and recital performances. Born in Arkansas, Hendricks initially pursued a degree in chemistry and mathematics at the University of Nebraska before turning to music. She began her vocal training at the age of 19 and made her operatic debut in 1974, quickly gaining international acclaim. Hendricks is not just a remarkable artist but also a dedicated humanitarian, serving as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador since 1987. Her repertoire spans from classical arias to jazz standards, and she has performed on some of the world's most prestigious stages. Beyond her musical achievements, Hendricks has also made significant contributions to environmental conservation and social justice, serving as the German Minister for the Environment from 2013 to 2018. Her journey from the segregated South to the global opera scene is a testament to her resilience and talent, inspiring audiences worldwide.
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Barbara Hendricks
