Britten: Les Illuminations - Canteloube: Chants d'Auvergne

Mari Eriksmoen, the acclaimed Norwegian soprano, delivers a captivating performance on her 2021 album "Britten: Les Illuminations - Canteloube: Chants d'Auvergne." Accompanied by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Edward Gardner, Eriksmoen presents a powerful collection of orchestral songs that showcase her remarkable vocal range and precision.

The album begins with Benjamin Britten's "Les Illuminations," a cycle of nine songs set to the poetry of Arthur Rimbaud. Eriksmoen's crystalline tone and expressive phrasing bring Britten's evocative music to life, from the fanfare-like opening of "Fanfare" to the haunting beauty of "Being Beauteous." The cycle culminates in the dramatic "Départ," leaving the listener breathless.

Following Britten's masterpiece, Eriksmoen turns her attention to Joseph Canteloube's "Chants d'Auvergne," a collection of traditional French folk songs arranged for voice and orchestra. Eriksmoen's warm, rich tone is perfectly suited to these melodic, pastoral pieces, and she imbues each one with a sense of authenticity and charm. Highlights include the lively "Pastourelle" and the tender "La delaïssádo."

The album concludes with Britten's "Quatre Chansons françaises," a set of four songs based on French poetry. Eriksmoen's sensitive interpretations and impeccable French pronunciation make these songs a delight to listen to, and the cycle as a whole provides a fitting conclusion to this impressive album.

With a total runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes, "Britten: Les Illuminations - Canteloube: Chants d'Auvergne" is a testament to Mari Eriksmoen's artistry and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra's skill. This album is a must-listen for fans of classical vocal music and a stunning addition to any music collection.