Credits:

Hahn, Reynaldo (1874-1947)

Description:

Aksenthus, an elite group heading into a new era, and two representatives of French late Romanticism have been impressing the world with their spirited conductor, Laurent Ekirbey, with the astonishing range of expression that can be heard in the choral form. The release from Alpha, a label that occupies a unique position in the world of 21st century recordings in France, where they are based, is a collection of choral works by Saint-Saëns, a master who broke new ground in 19th century French music, and Arn, whose talent blossomed early on and who has made a splash on the music scene across the century. Both composers, with their own interests, have been using pre-Baroque polyphonic music as an aid to their compositional styles, and there are many masterpieces in the field of choral music, which has not received much attention. Their music, which is surprisingly compatible with ancient music despite its Romantic-era sound, and Aksantzus' singing, which has a beautiful sound with a unique human warmth, give this album a great presence. The conductor is Christophe Grappelon, who has gained experience under Ekilbey and as a choral conductor supporting Minkowski in 19th century French vocal works.This remarkable new recording marks the beginning of a glorious new era for the Shunyi Chamber Choir. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Romance du soir, Op. 118
2.Choruses (2) for chorus with piano ad lib, Op. 68~1. Calme des nuits
3.Choruses (2) for chorus with piano ad lib, Op. 68~2. Les Fleurs et les arbres
4.Choruses (2), Op. 141~1. Des pas dans l'allee
5.Saltarelle Op. 74
6.Chansons et madrigaux~Vivons, mignarde! (sur un rythme de Lully)
7.Chansons et madrigaux~Pleurez avec moi!
8.Chansons et madrigaux~Les Fourriers d'ete
9.L obscurite
10.A la lumiere
11.Rondels~No. 1, Le jour
12.Rondels~No. 11, La nuit
13.Aubade athenienne