Chansons / Pieśni

Christoph Prégardien, the renowned German tenor, presents a captivating collection of songs in his album "Chansons / Pieśni," released on June 26, 2020, under The Fryderyk Chopin Institute label. This album is a beautiful blend of French and Polish art songs, featuring works by Stanisław Moniuszko, Henri Duparc, and Ignacy Jan Paderewski, offering a rich and diverse listening experience.

The album opens with a series of songs by Stanisław Moniuszko, a prominent figure in Polish Romantic music. These pieces, including "Les Larmes" and "Le Niemen," showcase Prégardien's ability to convey deep emotion and nuance. Following Moniuszko, the album transitions to the French art songs of Henri Duparc, with pieces like "Chanson triste" and "Le manoir de Rosemonde." Duparc's music is known for its lyrical beauty and expressive depth, and Prégardien's renditions are both sensitive and powerful.

The final section of the album is dedicated to the works of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, specifically his "Douze mélodies sur des poésies de Catulle Mendes, Op. 22." These songs, which include "Dans la Foret" and "L'ennemie," demonstrate Prégardien's versatility and his ability to bring out the poetic and musical richness of each piece.

Accompanied by pianist Christoph Schnackertz, Prégardien delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. The album's duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes provides a substantial and immersive experience, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are a fan of Prégardien's work or simply appreciate the art of song, "Chansons / Pieśni" is an album that promises to delight and inspire.