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Visit La Scena Musicale Online Reviews. [Index] Critiques de La Scena Musicale Online
Donna Brown, soprano Mendelssohn Four duets from Op. 63 Robert Schumann Gedichte der Konigin Maria Stuart, Op. 135 Clara Schumann Liebst du um Schonheit (Ruckert), Op. 12/4 Robert Schumann Four duets Hector Berlioz Two duets Claude Debussy Four songs from Ariettes Oubliees Francis Poulenc Banalites Faure Puisqu'ici-bas tout ame, Op. 10 Saint-Saens El desdichado What happens when you pair two consummate recitalists with a sensitive pianist, in an acoustically friendly hall, on a lovely autumn evening? The answer is easy – you have the ingredients for an evening of superlative music-making.
One is immediately struck by how well they looked together onstage – down to their complementary concert gowns. More importantly, the darker, fruity mezzo of Robbin and the pure, shimmering soprano of Brown achieved a well-nigh perfect blend, evidenced right away, in the four delightful Mendelssohn duets (Op. 63). The two artists sounded like they have been singing together for years. The Schumann duets that closed the first half further reinforced that impression, with Herbstlied (Op. 43, no. 2) an absolute gem. Berlioz' Le Trebuchet (Op. 13, no.3) was delivered with a vivid imagination and a disarming sense of humour. If one were to quibble, the tessitura for the alto in Le Mort d'Ophelie (Op. 18, no. 2) – quite a vocal tour de force, was a bit low to be comfortable for Robbin. In addition to the twelve duets, each singer had a fair share of solos. Robbin treated the audience to a delicious rendering of Poulenc's Banalites, with Hotel given a languorous, almost 'bluesy' air, complete with hilarious mime of smoking a cigarette. For me, the highlight of the evening was the group of Debussy – four songs from Ariettes Oubliees sung by Donna Brown. Her expressive, nuanced singing, coupled with pure, gleaming tone and overall lovely stage presence made it very special. Particularly effective was the high pianissimi that concluded the final verse of L'ombre des arbres – a piece of singing that could hardly be bettered. The soloists were fortunate to have the services of Bruce Ubukata as the ever-sensitive and sympathetic pianist. The evening concluded with two delightful encores about sisterhood – Brahms' Die Schwesterin, and Sisters by, of all people, Irving Berlin! May there be many more sisterly collaboration from these artists in the future.
Visit La Scena Musicale Online Reviews. [Index] Critiques de La Scena Musicale Online |
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