Dupre: Vocal Discoveries

Description

Precious
One of the world's leading experts on Marcel Dupre, Tobias Frank, joins forces with his ensemble Vox ad hoc to reveal a previously undiscovered facet of the French composer: vocal works for soloist or choir, with piano or organ accompaniment or purely a cappella. Until recently, these outstanding pieces had remained quietly overlooked in the archives of the Bibliotheque nationale de France.

Exemplary
For over twenty years, Tobias Frank has been researching Dupre's musical legacy and has gained access to his unpublished manuscripts through Dupre's granddaughter. By immersing himself in the composer's oeuvre like no other, Tobias Frank has shaped a unified programme of compelling and varied vocal pieces that trace Dupre's artistic path - an achievement that clearly reflects his personal dedication audible in every note.

Ethereal
Like many artists of the Belle Epoque, Dupre explored mythological themes, images of nature and the question of identity. Nymphs linger playfully at twilight in Crepuscule and Soir sur la plaine conveys the calm of dusk in music. Dupre sets poems by Leconte de Lisle depicting the pristine natural world as a place of tranquillity and peace.

Nostalgic
A fascination with everything exotic also spiced the art of that time, like in Danse orientale, with the women of Vox ad hoc as temple temptresses. Orientalism was in vogue, particularly in France, its romantic representation of the East offering a charming contrast to the restless ambience of modern metropolises.