Composer: Cécile Chaminade
Works: Mélodies (Ronde d’amour, La Lune paresseuse, Sombrero, Mignonne, L’Anneau d’argent, Ma première lettre, L’Amour captif, Attente (Au pays de Provence), Voisinage, Bonne humeur, Alleluia, Malgré nous, Nice-la-belle, Menuet (1, 2), Te souviens-tu?, Auprès de ma mie, Viens! Mon bien-aimé, Si j’étais jardinier, Villanelle, Mots d’amour, Ecrin, Espoir, Chanson triste, Je voudrais, L’Été); Sérénade espagnole, Op. 150 (arr. Kreisler); Rondeau, Op. 97; Capriccio, Op. 18; Valse carnavalesque, Op. 73; Pas de cymbales, Op. 36/2; Danse païenne, Op. 158
Performers: Anne Sofie von Otter (mezzo-soprano), Nils-Erik Sparf (violin), Peter Jablonski (pianoforte), Bengt Forsberg (pianoforte)
Recording: Recorded Sep. 2000, Stockholm, Sveriges Radio AB, Berwaldhallen
Label: Deutsche Grammophon 471 331-2 [76’ 09”]
Cécile Chaminade, an emblematic figure of the French Belle Époque, stands as a remarkable composer whose works often oscillate between the charming and the poignant. Her Mélodies eloquently encapsulate the spirit of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where the interplay of sentiment and artistry flourished. This recording, featuring a selection of her songs and instrumental pieces, is a timely reminder of her contributions to the lyrical and expressive landscape of French music, often overshadowed by her male counterparts.
The performance under the sensitive guidance of Anne Sofie von Otter is spirited and nuanced. Von Otter’s mezzo-soprano voice possesses a bright timbre that suits the effusive character of Chaminade’s melodies. In the opening track, “Ronde d’amour,” her vocal agility shines, and the jubilant character is captured beautifully, with her ability to articulate the playful nuances of the text. The joyous “Ahs” that punctuate the piece are infectious, embodying the very essence of youthful exuberance that Chaminade sought to convey. The interpretive choices made here reflect a keen understanding of the underlying emotional currents in the music, as von Otter deftly navigates the light-heartedness and occasional wistfulness inherent in Chaminade’s songwriting.
Nils-Erik Sparf on violin and the pianists Peter Jablonski and Bengt Forsberg contribute significantly to the interpretative depth of the recording. Forsberg’s piano work in “Viens! Mon bien-aimé!” is particularly noteworthy; his fluidity enhances the lyrical lines, complementing von Otter’s voice in a manner that is both collaborative and stimulating. The piano parts are not merely accompaniment but vital components that elevate the overall texture of the songs. The duo of violins and pianos in the instrumental selections, such as the “Sérénade espagnole,” showcases a vibrant interplay, although some pieces do require a greater interpretative depth to resonate fully.
Chaminade’s songs reflect a diverse range of emotional landscapes, from the buoyant optimism of “Bonne humeur” to the more reflective “Chanson triste.” Here, von Otter’s interpretative mastery comes to the fore, as she navigates the shifting emotions with a delicate touch while maintaining an effortless vocal line. The recording quality, managed by Andrew Keener, captures the warmth and clarity of the performances without overshadowing the intimate dynamics—the balance between voice and piano is particularly well-realized throughout the disc.
Engaging with this recording invites a comparison with other notable renditions of Chaminade’s work, such as those by Rebecca de Pont Davies, whose interpretations lean towards a more dramatic contralto approach. Von Otter’s lighter timbre and agile phrasing offer a refreshing contrast, illustrating how interpretation can reshape our understanding of a composer’s intent. This juxtaposition enriches the listening experience, allowing the audience to appreciate the fluidity of Chaminade’s musical voice across different performers.
This recording of Chaminade’s Mélodies stands as a testament to the composer’s enduring charm and sophistication. The combination of von Otter’s vibrant interpretation and the ensemble’s spirited accompaniment brings a captivating freshness to these works, inviting both old admirers and new listeners to explore the rich tapestry of her music. With its engaging performances and exquisite sound quality, this disc promises to be a cherished addition to any classical music collection.
