Messiaen: Cinq rechants - Daniel-Lesur: Le Cantique des Cantiques

Dive into the rich tapestry of vocal artistry with Ensemble Le Madrigal's captivating album, "Messiaen: Cinq rechants - Daniel-Lesur: Le Cantique des Cantiques." Released in 1961, this album is a testament to the ensemble's mastery of choral performance, showcasing two distinct yet complementary works that highlight the group's versatility and skill.

The album opens with Olivier Messiaen's "Cinq rechants," a cycle of five songs that blend French and ancient Greek texts, setting them to a unique and evocative musical landscape. Each of the five rechants offers a different mood and atmosphere, from the playful "Hayo kapritama" to the tender "Ma robe d'amour," demonstrating Messiaen's innovative compositional style and Ensemble Le Madrigal's ability to bring his vision to life.

The second half of the album features Igor Markevitch's orchestration of Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur's "Le Cantique des Cantiques," a setting of texts from the Song of Songs. This work is a beautiful exploration of love and longing, with each movement offering a unique perspective on the timeless themes of the original text. Ensemble Le Madrigal's performance is marked by its clarity and precision, as well as its ability to convey the deep emotional resonance of the music.

With a total duration of just over 37 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful exploration of two significant works in the choral repertoire. Whether you're a fan of Messiaen's distinctive style or a lover of beautiful choral music, Ensemble Le Madrigal's performance is sure to captivate and inspire. The album, released under the BNF Collection label, is a valuable addition to any music lover's collection, offering a glimpse into the world of French choral music from the mid-20th century.