Schmitt: Works for Female Voices

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Florent Schmitt's "Works for Female Voices," a captivating collection of choral pieces that showcase the composer's unique and individualistic voice. This album, released on Timpani in 2014, brings together three distinct works composed by Schmitt between 1900 and 1910, offering a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions.

The album features a diverse range of pieces, from the playful and whimsical "6 Choeurs, Op. 81" to the more introspective and lyrical "En bonnes voix, Op. 91" and "De vives voix, Op. 131." Each track is a testament to Schmitt's mastery of composition, with intricate harmonies and vivid imagery that transport the listener to a world of wonder and delight.

The performances on this album are equally impressive, with the female voices of the Calliope ensemble bringing Schmitt's music to life with precision and passion. The album's duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes ensures that listeners are fully immersed in the world of Florent Schmitt, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a deeper understanding of this remarkable composer and his work.

4 februari 2014

2014 Timpani

About Florent Schmitt

Florent Schmitt, born in the picturesque region of Lorraine, France, in 1870, was a composer of remarkable versatility and individuality. His musical journey began in Nancy, where he received his first lessons, and later flourished under the tutelage of Massenet and Fauré at the Paris Conservatoire. Schmitt's career spanned over seven decades, encompassing the tail end of Romanticism, the Impressionist movement, and the dawn of modernism. His compositions, numbering 138 with opus numbers, span a wide array of genres, each marked by his distinctive, opulent, and rhythmically rich style.

Schmitt was part of the influential group Les Apaches, which included notable figures like Ravel and Delius, and his work reflects a blend of Impressionist, post-Romantic, and even Oriental influences. His most celebrated works include the ballet "La tragédie de Salomé" and "Psaume XLVII," both showcasing his powerful and expressive musical language. Schmitt's music, though less known today, was highly regarded in his time, and his unique voice continues to captivate those who discover his works. His legacy is one of a free spirit in French music, a composer who fearlessly explored the rich tapestry of musical expression.