Master of la mélodie
D. Lamoureux | Massachusetts | 11/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an outstanding double-CD of some thirty songs from the length of Fauré's life and eight from the Duparc collection. I find Cuénod a perfect interpreter for this repertoire. His sound is so clear and focused and his diction so precise that any listener with some knowledge of French will find it relatively easy to understand the text. He also has a remarkable intensity and a flexibility in his style that give the music freedom and vitality. I've usually preferred this repertoire in Gérard Souzay's or Bernard Kruysen's baritone range, but this set could make me change my mind.
Cuénod recorded these songs in his late sixties, which is just phenomenal. He strains for his highest notes and his sound there is tighter, but his other qualities more than make up for those places. What a long and fruitful career this man has had, and in such a variety of styles and periods! I can also recommend his other recordings on Nimbus, especially his definitive interpretation of Satie's Socrate.
Both Martin Isepp and Geoffrey Parsons are sensitive partners who contribute a great deal to the performance. One of my favorite moments is Isepp's lively and rhythmic solo at the beginning of L'hiver a cessé.
This is a superb collection with a reasonable price tag. Bravo! Bis!"