Credits:

Marie-Nicole Lemieux

Description:

Lemieux's charming singing with overwhelming volume and expressivenessCanadian contralto Marie-Nicole Lemieux sings a collection of songs associated with "The Sea". She sings in French and English with great fluency, and her exquisite singing makes the most of the characteristics of three composers, Elgar, Chausson, and Jonsière (recorded for the first time in the world). Elgar's only song for orchestra, "Pictures of the Sea," is sung at the beginning of the concert. The second song, "At the Harbor," was written by Elgar's wife, Carole, and the whole collection has an intimate atmosphere (Clara Butt, the singer who gave the first performance, wore a dress resembling a mermaid as she sang the songs). Chausson's "Poem of Love and the Sea" is a magnificent song about lost love. It is a beautiful song, with sensual and emotional singing matched by the prodigal tones of the Auchestra. Jonciere's "Sea," placed at the end of the album, opens with a chorus of mermaids and fishermen, and the contralto sings in the voice of a sea nymph. The piece takes a dramatic turn and ends as if to comfort all.All of the works were written in the late 19th century, and the heavy orchestral parts show Wagner's influence, so singers are required to have the volume and expressiveness to overpower the thick orchestral sound. Lemieux easily handled the challenge, vividly depicting the world of the work with her attractive singing. Warner Music Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Sea Pictures Op. 37~I. Sea Slumber Song
2.Sea Pictures Op. 37~II. In Haven (Capri)
3.Sea Pictures Op. 37~III. Sabbath Morning at Sea
4.Sea Pictures Op. 37~IV. Where Corals Lie
5.Sea Pictures Op. 37~V. The Swimmer
6.Poeme de l'amour et de la mer Op. 19~I. La Fleur des eaux
7.Poeme de l'amour et de la mer Op. 19~Ia. Interlude
8.Poeme de l'amour et de la mer Op. 19~II. La Mort de l'amour
9.Mer~I. Le Calme
10.Mer~II. Contemplation
11.Mer~III. La Tempete
12.Mer~IV. Epilogue