Melodies Et Chansons, Vol. 2: Tailleferre & Milhaud

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Cat No: MDG61322792

Release Date: 12 January 2024

Label: MDG

Packaging Type: Jewel Case

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 760623227924

Genres: Classical Vocal

Description
Holger Falk and Steffen Schleiermacher once again prove to be the ideal interpreters of this multi-faceted music: from the smoky nightclub of the "Rue Chagrin", past the synagogue, left at the children's playground and over the cotton fields of America with hints of the blues - this is great art in a small form. In their touching simplicity, some of Germaine Tailleferre's pieces are reminiscent of nursery rhymes. Poems by the surrealist Jean Tardieu are perfect for the association with children's counting songs. Tailleferre also likes to use polytonal harmonies - sometimes the piano moves into harmonic realms where the voice does not follow suit. This is especially pronounced in "Vrai Dieu" from the "Six Chansons francaises". And there is also a curious "Vocalise-Etude" which leaves the listener with many a question mark...

Songs by Tailleferre are actually quite rare, in contrast to the extensive oeuvre of her "Groupe des Six" colleagues. Moreover, many of her pieces listed in catalogues or mentioned in letters have been lost and can no longer be performed. Falk and Schleiermacher have therefore supplemented melodies and chansons by the original Frenchwoman with songs from the vast collection that Darius Milhaud left to posterity.

The "Six chants populaires hebraiques" by Darius Milhaud, who saw himself deeply rooted in Judaism, are brimming with an almost archaic power. In contrast to the enchantingly fragrant miniatures "Catalogue des Fleurs", the Hebrew chants get to the heart of the existential relationship between the vulnerable human being and their omnipotent Creator.

"Baritone Holger Falk navigates the set with characterful swagger and nuance, while Steffen Schleiermacher is a responsive piano partner throughout." – BBC Music Magazine ****

"more of Tailleferre's work is being given an airing. Hats off to Falk and Schleiermacher, and to MDG for making it happen. I hope that where a German baritone has shown the way, French singers […] will follow. This review also led me in the direction of Falk's Eisler discs which are an absolute revelation, with an incredible immediacy, authority, verbal clarity and breadth of stylistic nuance" – The Arts Desk

Also available:

Milhaud: Melodies et Chansons Vol. 1 - Holger Falk, Steffen Schleiermacher (MDG61322712)

Honegger: Melodies et Chansons - Holger Falk, Steffen Schleiermacher (MDG6132203)
Tracklisting