Natalie Dessay, the renowned French soprano, teams up with pianist Philippe Cassard for an enchanting collection of songs titled "Oiseaux de passage," set to release on March 28, 2025, under the La Dolce Volta label. This operatic gem spans a concise yet impactful 30 minutes, featuring a delightful array of pieces that showcase Dessay's vocal prowess and Cassard's masterful piano accompaniment.
The album opens with excerpts from iconic operas like "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Sweeney Todd," offering a taste of Dessay's dramatic range. It then seamlessly transitions into lesser-known but equally captivating compositions, such as "Mélodies passagères" and "Métamorphoses," demonstrating the duo's versatility and musical curiosity.
Dessay's crystalline voice and Cassard's nuanced playing breathe new life into these pieces, making "Oiseaux de passage" a compelling listen for both opera enthusiasts and those new to the genre. The album's title, translating to "Passing Birds," hints at the fleeting, ethereal beauty of the music contained within, a testament to the ephemeral nature of art itself.