Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Ernest Chausson with this captivating album, released on March 1, 2019, by Alpha Classics. This exquisite collection showcases Chausson's mastery of chamber music, featuring two of his most renowned works: "Poème de l'amour et de la mer, Op. 19" and "Symphonie en Si Bémol Majeur, Op. 20."
The album opens with "Poème de l'amour et de la mer," a lyrical masterpiece that sets texts by Maurice Bouchor to music. This vocal work is divided into three parts: "La fleur des eaux," an interlude, and "La mort de l'amour." The piece beautifully explores themes of love, nature, and loss, with the renowned soprano Véronique Gens delivering a mesmerizing performance alongside the Orchestre National de Lille, conducted by Alexandre Bloch.
Following this, the album presents Chausson's "Symphonie en Si Bémol Majeur, Op. 20," a symphonic tour de force that is divided into three movements: "Lent - Allegro vivo," "Très lent," and "Animé." This symphony is a testament to Chausson's ability to blend orchestral colors and textures, creating a rich and immersive listening experience.
With a total duration of one hour, this album is a perfect introduction to Chausson's music for those new to his work, as well as a delightful addition to the collections of longtime fans. The combination of Gens' captivating vocals, the Orchestre National de Lille's exquisite playing, and Bloch's insightful conducting makes this album a standout in the world of classical music.