[ Hyperion / CD ]
Release Date: Thursday 10 March 2011
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This delightful disc, performed by one of the most admired sopranos of today, accompanied by her long-time collaborator, pays homage to an important musical tradition and part of performance history, and to four great sopranos from the past.
The repertoire includes the encore-songs, mainly by American composers, performed by Kirsten Flagstad, Eileen Farrell, Helen Traubel and Eleanor Steber at the end of their recitals. As Christine Brewer writes in an intimate performance note: 'These little gems evoke an era of recitals not often encountered these days. Stepping back into that era has been a joy to Roger and me, and I hope it will bring back memories to those who might have heard these women sing these songs, or perhaps ignite a new love affair for younger listeners!'
'Unlike many dramatic sopranos, Brewer here demonstrates a clarity of enunciation and a variety of tone that suits this lighter material … extracts from musicals by Romberg and Bernstein are frankly yet enjoyably sentimental. Irresistible' (BBC Music Magazine)
'Vignoles flickers through the rippling piano part of Frank La Forge's Hills before changing to a slower, more emphatic injection in the last stanza. This is a fine song, delivered by Brewer with strong voice and the fervour of longing … Brewer's own [encore], Review has the final word. To Vignoles's spirited playing, Brewer brings variety to the descriptions of Miss Sadabelle Smith's performance … it's fun and provides a final encore for which it was worth staying till the end' (International Record Review)
'Tis the last rose of summer
traditional & Thomas Moore (1779-1852), arr. Friedrich von Flotow (1812-1883)
Arlen:
Happiness is a thing called Joe
Bernstein:
Some Other Time (from On the Town)
Bridge:
Love went a-riding
Carpenter, J:
The sleep that flits on baby's eyes
Charles, E:
When I have sung my songs
Dougherty, C:
Last night in Carnegie Hall Miss Sadabelle Smith
Firestone:
In my garden
If l could tell you (Marshall)
Forge:
Hills
Homer:
Sing to me, sing, Op 48
Kramer:
Now like a lantern, Op. 44, No. 5
McArthur:
Night
Montaine:
Stopping by woods on a snowy evening
Nordoff:
There shall be more joy
Rogers, J H:
At Parting
Romberg, S:
Will You Remember (from Maytime)
Ronald:
O lovely night!
Sargent, P:
Hickory Hill
Tyson:
Sea Moods
Vicars:
Song of Songs (Chanson du coeur brisé)
Youmans:
Through the years