Tansman: Songs

Dive into the enchanting world of Alexandre Tansman's vocal repertoire with the captivating album "Tansman: Songs," released on September 2, 2022, under the Acte Préalable label. This 42-minute collection is a testament to Tansman's diverse musical influences and his mastery of song composition.

The album opens with "Huit mélodies japonaises Kaï-Kaï," a set of eight Japanese-inspired melodies that showcase Tansman's ability to blend Eastern and Western musical traditions. Each piece, from the lively "Tejakakja" to the serene "Bonja rjosen," offers a unique glimpse into Tansman's interpretive prowess.

Following this, the album presents "Cinq mélodies pour chant et piano," a series of five songs that delve into the depths of human emotion. The tracks range from the introspective "Dans le secret de mon âme" to the playful "Chats de gouttière," demonstrating Tansman's versatility and range.

The album continues with "Six mélodies pour chant et piano, extraites de Poems for Music," a collection of six songs extracted from Tansman's larger work "Poems for Music." These pieces, including the haunting "Chant des ténèbres" and the lively "Cabaret," highlight Tansman's ability to set poetry to music in a way that is both evocative and engaging.

Finally, the album concludes with "Quatre Sonnets de Shakespeare pour chant et piano," a set of four sonnets set to music by Tansman. These pieces, including the powerful "Sonnet No. 90" and the tender "Sonnet No. 128," showcase Tansman's ability to interpret and set some of the most famous poetry in the English language.

Throughout the album, Tansman's compositions are brought to life by the sensitive and expressive performances of the featured vocalists and pianists. The result is a collection of songs that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience.