Spectre iv

The second Naxos collection from Spectre de la Rose is even more attractive than the first, and it is even better recorded. It even includes a rare work in which the violin takes the lead (the Sonate à la Marésienne), although the embroidering gamba partner takes the lion’s share of bravura. It is a most attractive work and is played here with real sparkle, while the following Suite in D also shows Marais at this most attractively inventive. Les Voix humaines is deeply pitched, and even the Couplets de folies is far from light-hearted. Spectre de la Rose are experts in this filed and play most persuasively throughout.

Hector Berlioz, France’s greatest Romantic composer, exemplifies the spirit of his age – yet his genius was also ahead of its time. Reflecting his colourful life, his music is astonishing for its originality and ambition, and for orchestration of groundbreaking brilliance. This, the first-ever complete Berlioz edition, comprises carefully selected recordings and even includes works completely new to the catalogue. The accompanying booklet, lavishly illustrated, contains a fascinating commentary from Berlioz biographer David Cairns, whose words bring the composer’s music still more vividly to life.

After more than 30 years of intense activity, the repertoire that our quartet has enjoyed, explored and championed is particularly vast. Several characteristics are expressed in it, and one of them is highlighted in this recording: our passion for the repertoire with voice.

Anne-Catherine Gillet - Barber - Berlioz - Britten (2011) {Aeon AECD 1113}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 328 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 161 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 147 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 2011 Aeon | AECD 1113
Classical / Vocal

Belgian soprano Anne-Catherine Gillet has had a significant career in European opera houses, but she has been little-known in the United States. Her 2011 solo album debut, an outstanding recording of three song cycles, ought to change that, though, and bring her to the attention of a broader public. She sings with a tone that is sweet, full, focused, and brightly colorful. Her intonation and technique are irreproachable. Her voice is absolutely solid, from the depths that Berlioz requires to a lyrically soaring top.

Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) was a controversial French composer, dramatically splitting the opinions of critics. His most famous work is Symphonie Fantastique. Berlioz was one of the most influential of all 19th-century conductors.