Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French opera with Magdalena Kožená's captivating album, "French Arias." Released under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this exquisite collection showcases Kožená's remarkable mezzo-soprano voice, accompanied by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra under the skilled direction of Marc Minkowski.
Spanning a diverse range of compositions, this album features arias from lesser-known and rare operas, offering a refreshing departure from the typical recital discs. From the dramatic intensity of Bizet's "Carmen" to the poetic elegance of Massenet's "Manon," Kožená's performances are nothing short of breathtaking. The album also includes gems from Berlioz's "La Damnation de Faust" and Gounod's "Roméo et Juliette," demonstrating Kožená's versatility and mastery of the French operatic repertoire.
Recorded in 2003, "French Arias" is a testament to Kožená's artistry and the orchestra's exceptional musicianship. The album's duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes provides a rich and immersive listening experience, perfect for both opera enthusiasts and those new to the genre. Whether you're a fan of Kožená's work or discovering her for the first time, this album is a must-listen, offering a profound and enjoyable journey through the timeless beauty of French opera.
Le domino noir, Act III: Je suis sauvée enfin – Ah! quelle nuit! – Flamme vengeresseDaniel Auber, Magdalena Kožená, Jean-Christophe Keck, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski
Roméo et Juliette - original version / Act 3: Depuis hier je cherche en vain mon maîtreCharles Gounod, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
Cléopatre, Act III: J'ai versé le poison dans cette coupe d'orJules Massenet, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
Don Carlos / Act 2: Choeur et Scène: "Sous ces bois au feuillage immense"Giuseppe Verdi, Magdalena Kožená, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
Don Carlos / Act 2: Chanson du Voile: "Au palais des fées"Giuseppe Verdi, Marina Lodygensky, Magdalena Kožená, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
La Damnation de Faust, Op. 24 / Part 3: Le roi de Thulé (Chanson gothique). "Autrefois un roi de Thulé"Hector Berlioz, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski
L'heure espagnole, Comédie en un acte, M.52: Oh! la pitoyable aventure! (Scenes XVII-XIX)Maurice Ravel, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
Don Quichotte, Act IV: Lorsque le temps d'amour a fui – Par fortune! – Alza! Alza! Ne pensons qu'au plaisir d'aimerJules Massenet, Magdalena Kožená, Jean-Christophe Keck, Christophe Grapperon, Jean Zvellereiter, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski
Mignon / Act 1: Connais-tu le pays?Ambroise Thomas, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
La Dame blanche: Chut! Chut! écoutonsFrançois-Adrien Boieldieu, Magdalena Kožená, Jean-Christophe Keck, Chorus Of Les Musiciens Du Louvre, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski
Sapho - opera in 3 Acts / Act 3: Où suis-je?...O ma lyre immortelleCharles Gounod, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
Les Contes d'Hoffmann / Act 2: Voyez - la sous son éventailJacques Offenbach, Magdalena Kožená, Jean-Christophe Keck, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski
Cendrillon - Opera In 4 Acts - Lib. Cain After Perrault / Act 1: Ah! que mes soeurs sont heureuses!Jules Massenet, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski, Jean-Christophe Keck
Carmen, Act II: Chanson bohème. Les tringles des sistres tintaientGeorges Bizet, Edwige Parat, Claire Delgado-Boge, Magdalena Kožená, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Marc Minkowski