Experience the enchanting vocals of renowned mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kožená in her captivating album "Soirée," released on September 1, 2019, under the Pentatone label. This exquisite collection of songs spans a duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of musical styles and compositions. "Soirée" is not just a compilation of tracks but a testament to Kožená's artistry and her ability to bring intimacy and personal touch to each performance.
The album features a diverse range of works, including pieces by Antonín Dvořák, Gustav Mahler, Maurice Ravel, and others, arranged for mezzo-soprano and various chamber ensembles. Highlights include Dvořák's "Gypsy Songs," Mahler's "2 Songs," and Ravel's "Chansons Madécasses," each performed with Kožená's signature warmth and depth. The album also includes lesser-known gems like Leoš Janáček's "Říkadla" and arrangements by David Ward and Andreas Reimann, showcasing Kožená's versatility and musical curiosity.
"Soirée" captures the essence of informal, domestic music-making, providing an intimate and highly personal listening experience. Kožená is joined by her husband, the esteemed conductor Sir Simon Rattle, who makes his recording debut as a pianist on this album. Their collaboration adds a layer of authenticity and musical synergy that is palpable throughout the recording.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Magdalena Kožená or a newcomer to her work, "Soirée" offers a delightful journey through a variety of musical landscapes. The album's blend of classical elegance and personal charm makes it a standout addition to any music lover's collection.
2019 Pentatone Music B.V.2019 Pentatone Music B.V.
Tracks
Chanson perpétuelle, Op. 37 (Version for Mezzo-Soprano & Piano Quintet)Ernest Chausson, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 1, Ma piseu zas mi laskou zniAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 2, Sirokymi rukavyAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 3, Me srdce castoAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 4, Zalo dievcaAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 5, Kdyz mne stara matkaAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 6, Struna naladenaAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
In Folk Tone, Op. 73, B. 146 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 7, Dobru nocAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
2 Songs, Op. 91: No. 1, Gestillte SehnsuchtJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Yulia Deyneka
2 Songs, Op. 91: No. 2, Geistliches WiegenliedJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Yulia Deyneka
3 Songs from William Shakespeare: No. 1, Musick to heareIgor Stravinsky, Magdalena Kožená, Yulia Deyneka, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
3 Songs from William Shakespeare: No. 2, Full fadom fiveIgor Stravinsky, Magdalena Kožená, Yulia Deyneka, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
3 Songs from William Shakespeare: No. 3, When Daisies piedIgor Stravinsky, Magdalena Kožená, Yulia Deyneka, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Chansons Madécasses, M. 78: No. 1, NahandoveMaurice Ravel, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Kaspar Zehnder, David Adorján
Chansons Madécasses, M. 78: No. 2, AouaMaurice Ravel, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Kaspar Zehnder, David Adorján
Chansons Madécasses, M. 78: No. 3, Il est douxMaurice Ravel, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Kaspar Zehnder, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 1, Wie erkenn' ich dein TreuliebJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 2, Sein Leichenhemd weiß wie Schnee zu sehnJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 3Johannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 4, Sie trugen ihn auf der Bahre bloßJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 5, Und kommt er nicht mehr zurück?Johannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 1, The mole creepsLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 2, Karel rode off to hellLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 3, Franta, the knacker's sonLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 4, Children, hear my sermonLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 5, Ho ho, off the cows goLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 6, The white goatLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 7, Vacek scallywagLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 8, Frantik, FrantikLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
4 Songs, Op. 27, TrV 170: No. 4, Morgen! (Arr. for Mezzo-Soprano, Violin & Piano by Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle & Wolfram Brandl)Richard Strauss, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl
Magdalena Kožená, Lady Rattle, is a celebrated Czech mezzo-soprano renowned for her captivating performances and versatile repertoire. Born in Brno, Kožená honed her craft at the Brno Conservatory and later under the guidance of Eva Bláhová at Bratislava's Academy. Her discography is as impressive as her stage presence, with a recent highlight being her album 'Czech Songs', a collaborative effort with the Czech Philharmonic and Sir Simon Rattle, which delves into the rich tradition of Czech folk music. Kožená is also a sought-after recitalist, frequently collaborating with esteemed pianists such as Mitsuko Uchida. Her ability to interpret a wide range of compositions, from Debussy and Messiaen to Mahler, has solidified her status as one of the most acclaimed singers of our time.
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Magdalena Kožená
