Natalie Dessay, the acclaimed French coloratura soprano, presents a captivating journey through the world of French opera with her album "Airs d'Opéras Francais." Released on February 18, 1997, under Warner Classics, this collection showcases Dessay's extraordinary vocal prowess and versatility, spanning a rich tapestry of operatic arias.
The album features a diverse selection of pieces from renowned French composers, including Delibes, Chabrier, Ravel, Meyerbeer, and more. Each track is a masterclass in vocal technique and emotional expression, from the delicate and ethereal "Où va la jeune Hindoue" from Delibes' "Lakmé" to the playful and mischievous "Les oiseaux dans la charmille" from Offenbach's "Les contes d'Hoffmann." Dessay's ability to navigate the intricate melodies and dramatic nuances of these arias is nothing short of breathtaking.
With a duration of just over an hour, "Airs d'Opéras Francais" is a concise yet comprehensive exploration of French opera, offering a glimpse into the depth and diversity of the genre. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore the world of French opera, this album is a delightful and enriching experience. Natalie Dessay's enchanting performances make this a standout collection that highlights the beauty and brilliance of French operatic tradition.
Delibes: Lakmé, Act 2: Légende de la fille "Où va la jeune Hindoue" (Lakmé)Léo Delibes, Natalie Dessay, Patrick Fournillier, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Chabrier: Le roi malgré lui, Act 2: Chanson tzigane. "Il est un vieux chant de Bohème" (Minka)Emmanuel Chabrier, Natalie Dessay, Patrick Fournillier, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Ravel: L'enfant et les sortilèges, M. 71, Tableau I: "Arrière ! Je réchauffe les bons" (Le Feu)Maurice Ravel, Natalie Dessay, Patrick Fournillier, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Meyerbeer: Le pardon de Ploërmel, Act 2: Air. "Ombre légère qui suis mes pas" (Dinorah)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Natalie Dessay, Patrick Fournillier, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Bondeville: L'École des maris, Act 2: "O Ciel, pardonne encore cette supercherie ... De tout temps, la gent masculine" (Isabelle)Emmanuel Bondeville, Natalie Dessay, Patrick Fournillier, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Thomas: Hamlet, Act IV: "À vos jeux mes amis" - "Et maintenant" (Ophélie)Ambroise Thomas, Natalie Dessay, Patrick Fournillier, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Cherubini: Médée, Op. 191: "Chers Corinthiens, après tant de menaces" (Créon)Darius Milhaud, Natalie Dessay, Patrick Fournillier, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Offenbach: Les contes d'Hoffmann, Act 2: Chanson d'Olympia. "Les oiseaux dans la charmille" (Olympia)Jacques Offenbach, Natalie Dessay, Patrick Fournillier, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Poulenc: Les mamelles de Tirésias, FP 125, Act 1, Scene 1: "Non, Monsieur, mon mari" (Thérèse, Le Mari)Francis Poulenc, Natalie Dessay, Charles Burles, Patrick Fournillier, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Gounod: Mireille, Act I: "O légère hirondelle" (Mireille)Charles Gounod, Natalie Dessay, Patrick Fournillier, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Sauguet: Les Caprices de Marianne, Act 1:"O, amour, mysterieux amour" (Marianne)Henri Sauguet, Natalie Dessay, Patrick Fournillier, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra