Dame Janet Baker, one of the most celebrated sopranos of the 20th century, delivers a captivating performance in this 1998 album, "Dame Janet Baker sings Berlioz, Brahms, Mendelssohn & Respighi." The album is a testament to her extraordinary vocal range and interpretive skills, showcasing her ability to bring depth and nuance to a diverse repertoire of classical pieces.
The album spans a little over two hours and features a rich collection of works by four prominent composers: Hector Berlioz, Johannes Brahms, Felix Mendelssohn, and Ottorino Respighi. The tracklist includes Berlioz's "Les Nuits d'été," a cycle of six songs that explore themes of love, loss, and longing, as well as his "La captive orientale" and "Feuillets d'album." Mendelssohn's "Psalm XLII" is performed with a blend of solemnity and passion, while Brahms' "Alto Rhapsody" and "Vier Gesange" showcase Baker's ability to convey both tender intimacy and dramatic intensity. Respighi's "La sensitiva" rounds out the collection with its lyrical beauty and expressive depth.
Recorded with Warner Classics, the album benefits from high-quality sound production, allowing Baker's voice to shine with clarity and warmth. Her interpretations are marked by a deep understanding of the music and a profound emotional connection to the texts. Whether she is singing a hauntingly beautiful Berlioz melody or a powerful Brahms aria, Baker's artistry is evident in every note.
This album is a must-listen for fans of classical music and vocal performances. It offers a comprehensive showcase of Dame Janet Baker's extraordinary talent and a rich exploration of some of the most beloved works in the classical repertoire.
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: I. Villanelle, H 82bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: II. Le spectre de la rose, H 83bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: III. Sur les lagunes, H 84bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: IV. Absence, H 85bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: V. Au cimetière, H 86bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été, Op. 7, H 81b: VI. L'île inconnue, H 87bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Irlande, Op. 2, H 38: IV. La belle voyageuse, H 42aHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: La captive orientale, Op. 12, H 60fHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Berlioz: Feuillets d'album, Op. 9, H 121: I. Zaïde, H 107bHector Berlioz, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 1, Chor. "Wie der Hirsch schreit"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 2, Arie. "Meine Seele dürstet"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 3, Rezitativ, Arie und Chor. "Meine Tränen sind meine Speise"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 4, Chor. "Was betrübst du dich"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 5, Rezitativ. "Mein Gott, betrübt ist meine Seele"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 6, Quintetto. "Der Herr hat des Tages verheißen"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, Janet Baker, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Psalm XLII, Op. 42, MWV A15 "Wie der Hirsch schreit": No. 7, Schlusschor. "Was betrübst du dich, meine Seele"Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Hickox, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia
Mendelssohn: Infelice, Op. 94, MWV H5Felix Mendelssohn, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Brahms: Alto Rhapsody, Op. 53Johannes Brahms, Janet Baker, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Vier Gesange Op. 17: Es tont ein voller HarfenklangJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Vier Gesange Op. 17: Lied von ShakespeareJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Vier Gesange Op. 17: Der GartnerJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Vier Gesange Op. 17: Gesang aus FingalJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Respighi: La sensitiva, P. 104: "Cresceva in un giardino, sola, una sensitiva"Ottorino Respighi, Janet Baker, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Vinylscout