Moonlight Reflections
A recital album full to the brim with exquisite art song, this recording is a compilation of hidden treasures and classic favourites performed by Opera Australia star, Stacey Alleaume.
An Australian-Mauritian soprano of increasing acclaim, Alleaume, who has been praised for her “voice of bell-like purity” (Limelight Magazine) is accompanied by exceptional pianist Amir Farid. Together, they perform the works of much loved composers including Camille Saint-Saëns, Henri Duparc, Giacomo Puccini, Reynaldo Hahn and Jules Massenet, whose exquisite songs explore sentiments penned by such notable poets as Charles Baudelaire, Victor Hugo, Ada Negri and Robert Browning.
The inspiration for the album’s title Moonlight Reflections, came from Saint-Saëns composition, Clair de lune, meaning ‘moonlight’. The album embraces the concept that art song serves as a reflection upon moments in life. The works selected for this recording take the listener on a significant emotional journey: from the joyfulness at the renewal of summer, the gaiety of birds singing and the happiness of a morning-song to the open expression of eternal love contrasted against the unbearable grief of a lost beloved.
The programme includes two ensemble works by composer Amy Beach featuring cellist Zoe Knighton and violinist Erica Kennedy.
Liner notes include song texts with translations and biographical notes on the artists.
Artists
Stacey Alleaume
Australian-Mauritian soprano Stacey Alleaume has established herself as one of Australia’s most accomplished performers.
Amir Farid
Pianist Amir Farid has been described as "a highly creative musician - a pianist of great intelligence and integrity. He brings strong musical substance to all that he does, imbuing it with his own particular experience and understanding", and who "in a well populated field...distinguishes himself for all the right reasons".
Press quote
“Moonlight Reflections is a charming and illuminating portrait album of a soprano on an upward trajectory. In the recording studio, the singer must perform without the energy of the audience and support of visual cues, props, costumes and without being able to act. With this repertoire Alleaume explores new ground. Indeed, she brings a sense of the operatic to some of the songs with flourishes and opulent endings. Alleaume tells her tale well and we look forward to more from this talented soprano.”
Read full review— Shamistha de Soysa, Sounds Like Sydney
Track Listing
- L’été Cécile Chaminade
- L’Invitation au voyage Henri Duparc
- O that it were so! Frank Bridge
- Terra e mare Giacomo Puccini
- Sole e amore Giacomo Puccini
- Chanson d’amour, Op. 21: No. 1 Amy Beach
- Stornello Pietro Cimara
- L’Énamourée Reynaldo Hahn
- À Chloris Reynaldo Hahn
- Notte, P.97: No. 1 Ottorino Respighi
- Nebbie Ottorino Respighi
- Contrasto Ottorino Respighi
- Être aimé Jules Massenet
- Amoureuse Jules Massenet
- Clair de lune Camille Saint-Saëns
- No. 1. The Year’s at the Spring
- No. 2. Ah, Love but a day!
- No. 3. I send my heart up to thee
Three Browning Songs, Op. 44 Amy Beach
Performers
- Stacey Alleaume · soprano
- Amir Farid · piano
- Zoë Knighton · cello · track 6
- Erica Kennedy · violin · track 17
Composers
Where to buy
Moonlight Reflections is available for download from the iTunes Music Store.
It's available for streaming through
Apple Music.
Moonlight Reflections is available as as CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering.
Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.