CLAUDIO | P.O. Box 30283, NAIROBI Kenya | 12/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Edward Greenfield included one of the songs in his BBC radio show. It should have been a difficult choice, as most are equally enchanting.
The act of listening, for the first time, at this unique music is like intruding into a secret isolated world, which the Auvergne is (or was). Even the lyrics belong to a mysterious language, closer to Spanish or Portugese than French (A careful translation into English is provided with this version, to follow the minute lovely stories behind these songs).With the evident assistance of Canteloube (to what extent is hard to say) this somehow marginal civilization has produced music which is sad, exquisite and delicate, but, above all, unusual and extremely worth-loving."
Excellent
CLAUDIO | 06/29/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Beautiful songs, beautifully sung. Frederica von Stade has a truly beautiful voice and performs these songs accurately and just as well as Auger or Te Kanawa. Each of these songs is a little gem and the orchestra and conductor are wonderful."
Transformed to another place, another time.....
BB | New England, USA | 12/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard a tape if the 'Chants d'Auvergne' in an automobile. It was von Stade singing. My first exposure was not under the best of circumstances! But I could not believe the beauty, the interpretation...it did not matter what the subject, nor the words, I 'felt' what she was felt through her voice. I melted.A music teacher who has become a new collector of CD's, this was one of the very first CD's I had to have. It still haunts me and although I have now purchased other versions of Chants, it is the one that I will gift friends with this holiday season! Seems her voice, rich as it is, conjures up visions of the French countryside and the folk music.Having read the English version, I soon forget it, getting lost in the whole musical experience while listening. What more can there be than to be transformed to another place and time through this beautiful interpretation? Add it my favorite pieces of music, Rachmaninoff's 'Vocalize', Samuel Barber's 'Adagio for Strings', Bachianas 'Brasileiras No 5 Aria' (yes, sung by Te Kanawa)"
Stellar, and yet . . .
M. Kiell | Chicago | 06/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Von Stade's recording of The Songs of the Auvergne is completely enchanting. Her light and clear singing makes the words clearer than ever. (Then again, since they are in Provencal, it doesn't make all that much difference to most listeners.) It is easy to give this CD five stars. And yet . . . And yet? One has to say that, because any performance of Canteloube's song cycle is going to be compared to Kiri Te Kanawa's, and HER performance would have to be given 5 1/2 stars, were that permitted; that recording stands as more than just wonderful, but a classic -- enchanting, haunting, magical. So, if you want one recording of this piece, you should stick with the classic. However, if you adore this work of music, and wish to hear how it is interpreted by someone other than the singer you've heard before, von Stade's singing is wonderful, the performance is excellent, and the insights you get into the piece are rewarding. In fact, there is a 3rd recording you should add, if you are a true lover of The Songs of the Auvergne -- Victoria de los Angeles has recorded the work as well."
Rich, warm but haunting (and cheap)
CLAUDIO | 06/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having never heard any of these songs before I took a chance buying this CD. I had been told that they were marvellous. I thought that at such a reasonable price it wouldn't matter too much if I were disappointed. However, this has instantly become my favourite CD. From the beautifully serene opening 'Bailero lero' to the maginificently rustic 'L'aio de rotso' these are individual masterpieces of orchestration and performance. One could not ask for a better orchestra. The Royal Philharmonic provides flashes of light and glimpses of rural charm, while Frederica von Stade is supurbly warm and well controlled, if at the opening a little shrill. Overall this is a fantastic CD at a great price. Don't worry about the more expensive Te Kanawa or Auger versions. This does the trick nicely! In answer to the editor's comments- rich, yes, but also magnificently satisfying."