Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Magdalena Kožená's "Soirée," a captivating collection of opera arias and songs that showcases her extraordinary vocal prowess and artistic versatility. Released on September 1, 2019, under the prestigious Pentatone label, this album is a testament to Kožená's ability to breathe life into a diverse range of compositions, from the passionate Gypsy Songs of Antonín Dvořák to the ethereal beauty of Maurice Ravel's Chansons Madécasses.
Spanning a little over an hour, "Soirée" is a journey through the emotional landscapes of these timeless pieces. Kožená's mezzo-soprano voice is a powerful yet delicate instrument, capable of conveying the deepest longing and the most profound joy. Her interpretations are nuanced and deeply personal, making each track a unique experience.
The album features arrangements by notable figures such as David Ward and Aribert Reimann, who have skillfully adapted these works for chamber ensembles, allowing Kožená's voice to shine in intimate and powerful ways. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Gypsy Songs," the evocative "Ophelia Songs," and the lyrical "Chansons Madécasses."
Magdalena Kožená's "Soirée" is not just an album; it's a celebration of her artistry and a tribute to the enduring power of these musical masterpieces. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that will leave you spellbound.
2019 Pentatone Music B.V.2019 Pentatone Music B.V.
Tracks
Chanson perpétuelle, Op. 37 (Version for Mezzo-Soprano & Piano Quintet)Ernest Chausson, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 1, Ma piseu zas mi laskou zniAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 2, Sirokymi rukavyAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 3, Me srdce castoAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 4, Zalo dievcaAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 5, Kdyz mne stara matkaAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Gypsy Song, Op. 55, B. 104 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 6, Struna naladenaAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
In Folk Tone, Op. 73, B. 146 (Arr. D. Ward for Mezzo-Soprano & Chamber Ensemble): No. 7, Dobru nocAntonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
2 Songs, Op. 91: No. 1, Gestillte SehnsuchtJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Yulia Deyneka
2 Songs, Op. 91: No. 2, Geistliches WiegenliedJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Yulia Deyneka
3 Songs from William Shakespeare: No. 1, Musick to heareIgor Stravinsky, Magdalena Kožená, Yulia Deyneka, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
3 Songs from William Shakespeare: No. 2, Full fadom fiveIgor Stravinsky, Magdalena Kožená, Yulia Deyneka, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
3 Songs from William Shakespeare: No. 3, When Daisies piedIgor Stravinsky, Magdalena Kožená, Yulia Deyneka, Andrew Marriner, Kaspar Zehnder
Chansons Madécasses, M. 78: No. 1, NahandoveMaurice Ravel, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Kaspar Zehnder, David Adorján
Chansons Madécasses, M. 78: No. 2, AouaMaurice Ravel, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Kaspar Zehnder, David Adorján
Chansons Madécasses, M. 78: No. 3, Il est douxMaurice Ravel, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Kaspar Zehnder, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 1, Wie erkenn' ich dein TreuliebJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 2, Sein Leichenhemd weiß wie Schnee zu sehnJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 3Johannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 4, Sie trugen ihn auf der Bahre bloßJohannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
5 Ophelia Songs, WoO 22 (Arr. A. Reimann for Mezzo-Soprano & String Quartet): No. 5, Und kommt er nicht mehr zurück?Johannes Brahms, Magdalena Kožená, Wolfram Brandl, Rahel Rilling, Yulia Deyneka, David Adorján
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 1, The mole creepsLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 2, Karel rode off to hellLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 3, Franta, the knacker's sonLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 4, Children, hear my sermonLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 5, Ho ho, off the cows goLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 6, The white goatLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 7, Vacek scallywagLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
Říkadla, JW 5/16: No. 8, Frantik, FrantikLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Andrew Marriner
4 Songs, Op. 27, TrV 170: No. 4, Morgen! (Arr. for Mezzo-Soprano, Violin & Piano by Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle & Wolfram Brandl)Richard Strauss, Magdalena Kožená, Sir Simon Rattle, Wolfram Brandl