Artist: Régine Crespin
Album: Berlioz: Les Nuits d’été & Ravel: Shéhérazade by Régine Crespin
Genre: Classical
Release Date: 2023
Audio Format:: FLAC (tracks) 24 bit, 96 kHz
Duration: 46:17
Total Tracks: 9
Total Size: 823 MB

Tracklist:

1-1. Régine Crespin – I. Villanelle – Les Nuits d’été, Op. 7, H 81 (Remastered 2023, Geneva 1963) (02:18)
1-2. Régine Crespin – II. Le Spectre de la Rose – Les Nuits d’été, Op. 7, H 81 (Remastered 2023, Geneva 1963) (07:06)
1-3. Régine Crespin – III. Sur les Lagunes: Lamento – Les Nuits d’été, Op. 7, H 81 (Remastered 2023, Geneva 1963) (05:26)
1-4. Régine Crespin – IV. Absence – Les Nuits d’été, Op. 7, H 81 (Remastered 2023, Geneva 1963) (06:09)
1-5. Régine Crespin – V. Au Cimetière: Clair de Lune – Les Nuits d’été, Op. 7, H 81 (Remastered 2023, Geneva 1963) (05:45)
1-6. Régine Crespin – VI. L’île Inconnue: Barcarolle – Les Nuits d’été, Op. 7, H 81 (Remastered 2023, Geneva 1963) (03:47)
1-7. Régine Crespin – I. Asie – Shéhérazade IMR 44 (Remastered 2023, Geneva 1963) (09:10)
1-8. Régine Crespin – II. La Flûte Enchantée – Shéhérazade IMR 44 (Remastered 2023, Geneva 1963) (02:41)
1-9. Régine Crespin – III. L’indifférent – Shéhérazade IMR 44 (Remastered 2023, Geneva 1963) (03:52)

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For many years Janet Baker was the measure of all things for me when it came to “Les Nuits d’été” by Hector Berlioz. Her recordings under Barbirolli and Hickox will certainly retain their value, but the French soprano Régine Crespin (1927-2007) managed to present an at least equivalent version of these wonderful chants in 1965. With the unforgettable conductor Ernest Ansermet and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, founded by him in 1918, she has reached a maturity of composition that can hardly be surpassed. In addition, there is a wonderful, clear and absolutely pure voice that resounds to the highest register, which gives the highest pleasure from the first to the last bar. You can’t sing this more perfectly.

As with the original LP edition, the Berlioz cycle is coupled with Maurice Ravel’s “Shéhérazade”. Here, too, Régine Crespin is an ideal interpreter who does not miss even the slightest nuance. Again Ernest accompanies Ansermet with his proven orchestra competently and spreads a luxurious sound carpet for the singer.