Sandrine Piau's latest album, Chimère, is a masterful culmination of her discographic triptych, accompanied by the talented pianist Susan Manoff. Released on 13 April 2018 under the Alpha Classics label, this 58-minute album is a testament to the soprano's versatility and affinity for a wide range of repertoire.
The album features a carefully curated selection of 23 pieces, including works by renowned composers such as Hugo Wolf, Schumann, Debussy, and Poulenc, as well as lesser-known composers like Ivor Gurney and André Previn. Sandrine Piau's distinctive, radiant tone and secure upper range bring to life the subtle nuances of each piece, from the entertaining Banalités by Poulenc to the subtle C'est ainsi que tu es, a setting of Louise de Vilmorin.
Recorded in September 2017 at Teldex Studio Berlin, Chimère is a showcase of Sandrine Piau's ability to transcend genres, effortlessly moving between Lied, mélodie, and song. Her collaboration with Susan Manoff is a highlight of the album, with the pianist providing sensitive and nuanced accompaniment throughout. The result is an album that is both a tribute to the art of song and a deeply personal expression of Sandrine Piau's artistic vision. With Chimère, Sandrine Piau cements her reputation as a distinguished and versatile soprano, capable of bringing a wide range of repertoire to life with her unique voice and interpretation.
2018 Alpha Classics / Outhere Music France2017 Alpha Classics / Outhere Music France
Tracks
Lieder und Balladen, 9 Gesänge aus Goethe's "Faust", erster Teil: I. Ach neige, du SchmerzenreicheCarl Loewe, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Lieder und Gesänge aus "Wilhelm Meister", Op. 98a: I. Mignon "Kennst du das Land?"Robert Schumann, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Lieder und Gesänge, Op. 127: II. Dein AngesichtRobert Schumann, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Myrthen, Op. 25: VII. Die LotosblumeRobert Schumann, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Fêtes Galantes I, CD 86: I. En sourdineClaude Debussy, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Fêtes Galantes I, CD 86: II. FantochesClaude Debussy, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Fêtes Galantes I, CD 86: III. Clair de luneClaude Debussy, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Verschwiegene LiebeHugo Wolf, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Mörike Lieder: 45. Nixe BinsefußHugo Wolf, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Mörike Lieder: 7. Das verlassene MägdleinHugo Wolf, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Mörike Lieder: 38. Lied vom WindeHugo Wolf, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
5 Elizabethan Songs: IV. SleepIvor Gurney, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Heart! We Will Forget HimRobert Baksa, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Banalités, FP 107: I. Chanson d’OrkeniseFrancis Poulenc, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Banalités, FP 107: II. HôtelFrancis Poulenc, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Banalités, FP 107: III. Fagnes de WallonieFrancis Poulenc, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Banalités, FP 107: IV. Voyage à ParisFrancis Poulenc, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Banalités, FP 107: V. SanglotsFrancis Poulenc, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Despite and Still, Op. 41: IV. Solitary HotelSamuel Barber, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Métamorphoses, FP 121: II. C’est ainsi que tu esFrancis Poulenc, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Three Dickinson Songs: I. As Imperceptibly as GriefAndré Previn, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Three Dickinson Songs: II. Will There Really Be a Morning?André Previn, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff
Three Dickinson Songs: III. Good Morning MidnightAndré Previn, Sandrine Piau, Susan Manoff