Roderick Williams - Mirages: The Art of French Song (2022) [Official Digital Download 24/192]

In their latest release for Champs Hill Records, distinguished baritone Roderick Williams and acclaimed pianist Roger Vignoles join forces once again to offer a stunning recording, this time inspired by their critically acclaimed Wigmore Hall recital of French Song. Williams and Vignoles guide the listener through much-loved and lesser-known songs by the most celebrated French song composers, and others perhaps less well-known to English audiences. 'One of the particular joys of recording for Champs Hill is to be allowed to programme discs with freedom,' comments Williams. 'We assembled the programme as one would a recital programme, contrasting the delicate austerity of late Faureģ with the rich sonority of Caplet. We hoped the resulting shape would resemble an evening’s song recital, in which the first half begins gently, grows into something more voluptuous before finishing with a riotous drinking song to lead to the interval; the second begins with a challenging contemporary piece before the reward of great fun, and the whole evening ends with hilarity, mischief and bravura. And not to forget a brief encore, a nod to the most quintessential of French early-twentieth-century composers. To create and record this programme in such charming, relaxed surroundings was a treat; we hope you will enjoy listening in the same quixotic mood.'

Williams and Vignoles’ prior releases for Champs Hill include Brahms’ only song cycle, Die Schone Magelone (2017, CHR108). BBC Music Magazine said: 'Williams delivers the narration naturally, while proving once again to be a thoughtful exponent of sung text, an interpreter consistently attentive to its meaning. As an accompanist, Vignoles is every bit as engaged, his delicate and resourceful playing joining with Williams’ vocalism to point up significant detail. 'Prior to this, Williams and Vignoles joined Joan Rodgers CBE to present Wolf's Italian songbook (2013, CHR054). In their review, Gramophone commented: 'Inspired by Vignoles humorous relish and luminous delivery of touch, Rodgers and Williams form a persuasive duo.'

TRACKLIST

1. Roderick Williams - Mirages, Op. 113: I. Cygne sur l'eau
2. Roderick Williams - Mirages, Op. 113: II. Reflets dans l'eau
3. Roderick Williams - Mirages, Op. 113: III. Jardin nocturne
4. Roderick Williams - Mirages, Op. 113: IV. Danseuse
5. Roderick Williams - 5 Ballades Françaises: I. Cloche d’aube
6. Roderick Williams - 5 Ballades Françaises: II. La Ronde
7. Roderick Williams - 5 Ballades Françaises: III. Notre chaumière en Yveline
8. Roderick Williams - 5 Ballades Françaises: IV. Songe d’une nuit d’été
9. Roderick Williams - 5 Ballades Françaises: V. L’adieu en barque
10. Roderick Williams - Petits cours de morale: I. Jeanne
11. Roderick Williams - Petits cours de morale: II. Adèle
12. Roderick Williams - Petits cours de morale: III. Cécile
13. Roderick Williams - Petits cours de morale: IV. Irène
14. Roderick Williams - Petits cours de morale: V. Rosemonde
15. Roderick Williams - Don Quichotte à Dulcinée: I. Chanson Romanesque
16. Roderick Williams - Don Quichotte a Dulcinée: II. Chanson Épique
17. Roderick Williams - Don Quichotte a Dulcinée: III. Chanson à boire
18. Roderick Williams - Les ténèbres de l'amour: I. La dure épreuve va finir
19. Roderick Williams - Les ténebres de l'amour: II. Va, chanson à tire-d’aile
20. Roderick Williams - Les ténebres de l'amour: III. Hier, on parlait de choses et d’autres
21. Roderick Williams - Les ténebres de l'amour: IV. Nous sommes en les temps infâmes
22. Roderick Williams - Saluste du Bartas: I. Le château du Bartas
23. Roderick Williams - Saluste du Bartas: II. Tout le long de la Baïse
24. Roderick Williams - Saluste du Bartas: III. Le départ
25. Roderick Williams - Saluste du Bartas: IV. Le promenade
26. Roderick Williams - Saluste du Bartas: V. Nérac en fête
27. Roderick Williams - Saluste du Bartas: VI. Duo
28. Roderick Williams - 2 poèmes d'Apollinaire, Op. 94: I. Dans le jardin d’Anna
29. Roderick Williams - 2 poèmes d'Apollinaire, Op. 94: II. Allons plus vite
30. Roderick Williams - Parisiana, Op. 157: I. Jouer du bugle
31. Roderick Williams - Parisiana, Op. 157: II. Vous n'écrivez plus?
32. Roderick Williams - Beau soir



Thanks to the Original customer.