Debussy/Hahn: Choral Works

Contents

Debussy/Hahn: Choral Works

Claude Debussy (1862-1918): 1. Salutation des Spring – for chorus and piano

Cantata "The Chosen Maiden" – for soloists, chorus, and two pianos (Arranged for two pianos by Howard Ehrman)…World premiere recording 2. Prelude 3. Female Choir and Narrator 4. The Chosen Maiden and Female Choir 5. Female Choir and Narrator

6. Angelus Bells (Arranged for chorus by Critus Gottwald) 7. The Shadows of the Trees – Forgotten Ditty No. 3 – for song and piano

Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947): 8. Sad Landscape, Shadows of the Trees on a Misty River – Gray Song No. 6 – for song and piano

Latin Praise – For soprano and piano, tenor and bass, chorus 9. I. Lydie La Jeunesse nous quitte 10. II. Néère Il me faut retourner aux anciennes amours 11. III. Salinum Le souci plus léger que les vents de l'Epire 12. IV. Thaliarque Ne crains pas de puiser aux réduits du cellier 13. V. Lydé Viens! c'est le jour d'un Dieu 14. VI. Vile potabis Dans me coupes d'un prix modique 15. VII. Tyndaris O blanche Tyndaris 16. VIII. Pholoé Oublie, ô Pholoé 17. IX. Phidylé Offre un encens modeste 18. X. Phyllis Depuis neuf ans et plus

Christiane Kalk (soprano)...1, 4, 7, 8, 10-11, 13-16, 18 Angela Brower (reader, alto)...3, 5 Daniel Behle (tenor)...9 Anna-Maria Parry (soprano)...12 Nikolaus Pfannkuf (tenor)...12 Tarek Nazmi (bass)...17 Gerold Huber (piano)...1-5, 7, 8, 9, 10-18 Max Hanft (piano)...2-5, 17

Bavarian Radio Chor...1-6, 9, 12, 17 Howard Ehrman (conductor)...1-6, 9, 12, 17

Recorded: May 27-28, 2021, BR Studio 1...1, 6, 7, 8 February 3-5, 2021 BR Studio 2...2-5 July 23, 2020 BR Studio 2...9-18

[Bavarian Radio Chorus Sings Works by French Impressionist Composers Debussy and Hahn] While each piece possesses a completely different flavor from German Romantic works, the choir, conducted by Howard Ehrman, fully brings out the exotic charm of the pieces with its usual loving and precise ensemble. Debussy's ambitious work, "The Chosen Maiden," is a cantata for soprano and alto soloists, female chorus, and orchestra. Here, a world premiere recording of the two-piano accompaniment has been selected, fully showcasing its delicate beauty. Hahn's "Latin Praise" is a suite for three soprano soloists and chorus, set to the poet Leconte de Lille's "Antique Poems," also known as "Latin Etudes." The melodic beauty of Hahn is fully displayed. Other delights include delicate choral pieces such as "Shades of the Trees," both by Debussy and Hahn, which use the same poem by Verlaine. Christiane Kalk's beautiful voice, richly nuanced throughout the album, and the piano performance of accompaniment by acclaimed pianist Gerold Huber are also highlights.

Press Reviews and More

While each piece possesses a distinctly different character from German Romantic works, Howard Ehrman's choir, with its usual loving and precise ensemble, fully brings out the exotic charm of the pieces. Debussy's ambitious work, "The Chosen Maiden," is a cantata for soprano and alto soloists, female chorus, and orchestra. This recording features the world premiere of a two-piano accompaniment, fully showcasing its delicate beauty. Hahn's "Latin Praise" is a suite for three soprano soloists and chorus, set to the poet Leconte de Lille's "Ancient Poems," also translated as "Latin Etudes." Hahn's melodic beauty is on full display. Other pieces to enjoy include delicate choral pieces such as Debussy's and Hahn's "Shades of the Trees," both of which use the same poem by Verlaine. Other highlights include the beautiful voice of Christiane Kalk, whose richly nuanced singing is heard throughout the album, and the piano performance of Gerold Huber, a highly acclaimed pianist. (C)RS