Experience the timeless artistry of Victoria de los Ángeles in this exquisite collection of French masterpieces, "Victoria de Los Angeles: Fauré, Debussy & Ravel." This album, released on March 1, 2017, by Praga Digitals, showcases the Spanish lyric soprano's unparalleled vocal prowess and her deep connection to the French repertoire. Joined by the legendary baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, de los Ángeles delivers a captivating performance that spans the works of three iconic composers.
The album opens with Gabriel Fauré's serene and contemplative "Requiem, Op. 48," a piece that highlights de los Ángeles' pure and innocent tone. The recording features the Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris and the Chœurs Elisabeth Brasseur, conducted by André Cluytens. The album also includes Claude Debussy's "La Damoiselle élue," a work that showcases de los Ángeles' ability to convey both vulnerability and strength. The Boston Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Charles Munch, accompanies her in this enchanting piece.
Ravel's "Shéhérazade" is another highlight of the album, with de los Ángeles' ravishing tone and feminine vulnerability bringing the tales of the Arabian Nights to life. The album also features Five Greek Songs by Maurice Ravel, demonstrating the soprano's versatility and her ability to sing in various languages and styles.
This album is a testament to Victoria de los Ángeles' status as one of the most beloved and incomparable sopranos of the 20th century. Her performances, captured in these historical recordings from 1962, are a treasure for classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre alike. With a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to the French repertoire and a celebration of Victoria de los Ángeles' enduring legacy.
2022 Little Tribeca2017 Praga Digitals
Tracks
Requiem, Op. 48: I. Introït & KyrieGabriel Fauré, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Chœurs Elisabeth Brasseur, André Cluytens
Requiem, Op. 48: II. OffertoireGabriel Fauré, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Chœurs Elisabeth Brasseur, André Cluytens
Requiem, Op. 48: III. SanctusGabriel Fauré, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Chœurs Elisabeth Brasseur, André Cluytens
Requiem, Op. 48: IV. Pie JesuGabriel Fauré, Victoria de los Ángeles, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Chœurs Elisabeth Brasseur, André Cluytens
Requiem, Op. 48: V. Agnus DeiGabriel Fauré, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Chœurs Elisabeth Brasseur, André Cluytens
Requiem, Op. 48: VI. Libera meGabriel Fauré, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Requiem, Op. 48: VII. In ParadisumGabriel Fauré, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Chœurs Elisabeth Brasseur, André Cluytens
La Damoiselle élue, L. 62: I. La Damoiselle élueClaude Debussy, Victoria de los Ángeles, Carole Smith, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Radcliffe Choral Society, Charles Münch
La Damoiselle élue, L. 62: II. Je voudrais qu'il fût déjà près de moiClaude Debussy, Victoria de los Ángeles, Carole Smith, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Radcliffe Choral Society, Charles Münch
Shéhérazade: I. AsieMaurice Ravel, Victoria de los Ángeles, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Georges Prêtre
Shéhérazade: II. La flûte enchantéeMaurice Ravel, Victoria de los Ángeles, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Claude Monteux, Georges Prêtre
Shéhérazade: III. L'indifférentMaurice Ravel, Victoria de los Ángeles, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Georges Prêtre
Five Greek Songs: I. Le réveil de la mariée (Modéré, très doux)Maurice Ravel, Victoria de los Ángeles, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Georges Prêtre
Five Greek Songs: II. Là-bas, vers l'église (Andante)Maurice Ravel, Victoria de los Ángeles, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Georges Prêtre
Five Greek Songs: III. Quel galant m'est comparable (Allegro)Maurice Ravel, Victoria de los Ángeles, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Georges Prêtre
Five Greek Songs: IV. Chanson des cueilleuses de lentisques (Lent)Maurice Ravel, Victoria de los Ángeles, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Georges Prêtre
Five Greek Songs: V. Tout gai! (Allegro)Maurice Ravel, Victoria de los Ángeles, Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris, Georges Prêtre
Victoria de los Ángeles, born in Barcelona in 1923, was one of the most celebrated lyric sopranos of the 20th century, renowned for her exquisite timbre and crystalline singing. Her voice, described as having a great beauty and transparency, captivated audiences worldwide. Victoria de los Ángeles' repertoire spanned both opera and lieder, with notable roles in works such as Carmen, La bohème, and Madama Butterfly. She was particularly acclaimed for her interpretations of Spanish songs and operatic parts, showcasing her unique strengths in Spanish vocal music. Throughout her career, Victoria de los Ángeles collaborated with esteemed artists like Jussi Björling and Alicia de Larrocha, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Her impact on the world of opera is celebrated through various events and foundations dedicated to preserving her artistic heritage and nurturing new talents.
Vinylscout
Victoria de los Ángeles
