"French Connections" is a captivating journey through the world of art song, featuring the renowned British tenor John Mark Ainsley and pianist Malcolm Martineau. Released in 2016 on Linn Records, this album spans a rich and diverse repertoire, showcasing the talents of four of the most celebrated songwriters of the modern era: Benjamin Britten, Francis Poulenc, Jake Heggie, and Lennox Berkeley.
The album opens with Britten's "Five Poems of W.H. Auden," a cycle that exemplifies the composer's distinctive voice and his deep connection with Auden's poetry. Poulenc's "Tel jour telle nuit" follows, offering a glimpse into the composer's unique blend of wit, melancholy, and musical ingenuity. Heggie's "Friendly Persuasions" pays homage to Poulenc, with each song evoking a transformative friendship in the French composer's life. Berkeley's contributions, including "Fancy," "Fancie," and "Bleuet," round out the program with their lyrical beauty and technical virtuosity.
In addition to these modern masters, Ainsley and Martineau delve into the timeless poetry of John Donne, performing selections from "The Holy Sonnets" with profound sensitivity and artistry. The album's diverse program is united by the thread of human connection, as each song explores the complexities of love, friendship, and the human condition.
With a duration of just over an hour, "French Connections" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience, showcasing the extraordinary talents of John Mark Ainsley and Malcolm Martineau. Whether you're a seasoned art song enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2015 Linn Records2015 Linn Records
Tracks
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: I. Lauds (Among the Leaves the Small Birds Sing)Lennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: II. O Lurcher-loving CollierLennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: III. What's in Your Mind, My Dove, My ConeyLennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: IV. Eyes Look into the WellLennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Five Poems of W.H. Auden, Op. 53: V. Carry Her over the WaterLennox Berkeley, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: I. Bonne journée j'ai revu qui je n'oublie pasFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: II. Une ruine coquille videFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: III. Le front comme un drapeau perduFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: IV. Une roulotte couverte en tuilesFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: V. À toutes brides toi dont le fantômeFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: VI. Une herbe pauvreFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: VII. Je n'ai envie que de t'aimerFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: VIII. Figure de force brûlante et faroucheFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Tel jour telle nuit, FP 86: IX. Nous avons fait la nuitFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
FancyFrancis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
FancieBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Friendly Persuasions: I. Wanda LandowskaJake Heggie, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Friendly Persuasions: II. Pierre BernacJake Heggie, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Friendly Persuasions: III. Raymonde LinossierJake Heggie, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Friendly Persuasions: IV. Paul ÉluardJake Heggie, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
Bleuet, FP 102Francis Poulenc, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 1, O My Blacke Soule!Benjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 2, Batter My HeartBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 3, O Might Those Sighes and TearesBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 4, Oh, to Vex MeBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 5, What If This PresentBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 6, Since She Whom I LovedBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 7, At the Round Earth's Imagined CornersBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 8, Thou Hast Made MeBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: No. 9, Death, Be Not ProudBenjamin Britten, John Mark Ainsley, Malcolm Martineau
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