Serenade Thomas Hampson & Maciej Pikulski

• Charles Gounod (1818-1893):
• 1 Sérénade 03:35
• 2 6 Melodies: No. 2, Ô ma belle rebelle 02:46
• 3 La chanson du pêcheur 05:43
• Georges Bizet (1838-1875):
• 4 20 Mélodies, Op. 21: No. 9, Pastorale 02:49
• 5 20 Mélodies, Op. 21: No. 16, La coccinelle 04:43
• 6 20 Mélodies, Op. 21: No. 12, La chanson du fou 02:22
• Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864):
• 7 Siciliènne 04:30
• Emmanuel Chabrier (1841-1894):
• 8 Villanelle des petits canards 02:09
• Ernest Chausson (1855-1899):
• 9 2 Poèmes, Op. 34: No. 2, Le chevalier malheur 03:53
• 10 2 Mélodies, Op. 36: No. 1, Cantique à l'épouse 03:01
• 11 Poème de l'amour et de la mer, Op. 19: Le temps des lilas (Version for Voice & Piano) 03:41
• Jules Massenet (1842-1912):
• 12 Les yeux clos 02:17
• 13 Heure vécue 01:49
• Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921):
• 14 Le pas d'armes du Roi Jean (Arr. for Voice & Piano) 05:05
• 15 Danse macabre, Op. 40, R. 171 (Arr. for Voice & Piano) 02:28
• 16 Si vous n'avez rien à me dire 03:08
• Albéric Magnard (1865-1914):
• 17 4 Poèmes en musique, Op. 15: No. 2, Les roses de l'amour ont fleuri sur tes joues 03:32
• Total Runtime 57:31

Info for Serenade

Thomas Hampson's acclaimed portrayals of iconic roles in French operatic works have spanned the duration of his singular international career. A longtime champion of French repertoire, he has starred in the title roles of Chausson's Le roi Arthus at Opéra National de Paris; Massenet's Werther (baritone version) at the Metropolitan Opera and Théatre National du Chatelet; Massenet's Thais (Athanael) at Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Metropolitan Opera; Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann (Four Villains) at the Royal Opera Hous - Covet Garden; and Thomas' Hamlet at the Theatre National du Chatelet. He has also performed in Massenet's Manon (Lescaut), Gounod's Faust (Valentin), Berlioz' Les Troyens (Chorèbe), and Poulenc's Les mamelles de Tirésias (Gendarme). Additionally, Hampson has been featured on critically lauded recordings of Faust, Les Contes d'Hoffmann, Thais and Werther. Mr. Hampson carries the title of Commendeaur dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of the Republic of France.

With "Serenade", his first album exclusively dedicated to French Song, Mr. Hampson brings his passion for works by French opera composers to the PENTATONE label. Curated with the French Literature scholar Sylvain Fort and in a first collaboration with the Polish pianist Maciej Pikulski, the track listing includes romantic and introspective as well as humorous selections by BIzet, Chabrier, Chausson, Gounod, Magnard, Massenet and Saint-Saens, featuring texts written by some of France's most revered writers including Victor Hugo, Paul Verlaine, Rosemonde Gérard, and others.

"This is a welcome French recital from Thomas Hampson. Given his long and distinguished pedigree in the operas of several composers presented here, it is surprising that he has explored their songs so little on disc. Especially so given that the Melodie has a particular association with the baritone voice, and Hampson's charm, insight and care rightfully take their place in that tradition. Bearing the title 'Serenade', this collection is full of stimulating connections, progressions and juxtapositions, all captured in Pentatone's typically warm, natural sound. Bizet's night-time warning La Chanson du Fou is followed by the more carefree amorous nocturne of Meyerbeer'sSicilienne. The ducks of Chabrier's skittish Villanelle des petits earnards might appear to have little in common, yet, for a few moments, the piano introduction seemingly echoes the Meyerbeer. With the finely judged support of pianist Maciej Pikulski, Hampson's changes of mood and character between and within the songs reflect his long experience. So, too, does his attention to detail, as is evident in the opening Gounod Serenade. Many a lesser singer would take an easier option with the flourishes that end each section, but Hampson punctiliously articulates each note. Here, as elsewhere, this is even when his approach draws attention to areas where his voice has lost a little of its former lustre and sparkle. Such moments are rare, though, and his tone and phrasing in the closing Les roses de l'amour by Magnard are simply exquisite. Christopher Dingle." PERFORMANCE ****/RECORDING *****. (BBC Music Magazine)

Thomas Hampson, baritone
Maciej Pikulski, piano

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