Henri Duparc
Henri Duparc left a handful of late-Romantic mélodies that still define the French art song: long-breathed lines, restless piano writing and an almost unbearable concentration of longing set to Baudelaire, Gautier and Goethe.
What survives is pure intensity. L’invitation au voyage rises and falls like light on water, its presque lent tempo and sudden octave drops painting Baudelaire’s dream-Holland with exquisite restraint. Elégie carries the same charged stillness into darker territory. Duparc’s only solo piano piece surfaces among night music, a rare glimpse of the same refined harmonic world without the voice. The songs demand flawless legato, dynamic control and a pianist who can match their restless undercurrents; when those conditions are met they remain among the most atmospheric and complete realisations of French mélodie.
Compositions by Henri Duparc appear on
Hymne à l’amour
Hymne à l’amour is an exquisite collection of art songs sung by soprano Siobhan Stagg and accompanied by Amir Farid. The songs illustrate the frailty of the human condition through flirtation, deep love and heartbreaking truths.
Night Thoughts
During the long still nights of the Covid pandemic, pianist Len Vorster, well-known as a thoughtful accompanist, spent most of his evenings listening to a wide array of music ranging from Schumann to Copland. He also spent a lot of time thinking about the music. These ruminations developed into the wide ranging, fascinating and beautiful program of 15 deep-rooted works.
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.