Adequate performance, unfortunate orchestration
J. A. Kawarsky | New Hope, PA United States | 04/10/2006
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Oddly strange recording. Very clear voice. Unclear why the English version uses a new orchestration by Larry Hochman, when called for, and the new French translation is needed at all. As for interpretation. Fine. And that's the problem. It's all just fine. No better, no worse.
Better suggestion: The Harolyn Blackwell recording of these with better orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick (Mr. Hochman's make the orchestrational error constantly called "masking" and tis irritating".) Blackwell has beautiful voice and interp. skills. Recording entitled "Strange Hurt" also includes great cycle by Ricky Ian Gordon."
A must
JMB Paris France | Paris France | 04/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Isabelle Georges has a really lovely voice that fits perfectly with Yeston's words and music. The french translation, made by the french poet Boris Bergman is full of poetry, of images that show you the distress of this woman. Stan Cramer plays perfectly the piano. This record is worth 5 stars."
Simple, Beautiful, Haunting
Christopher H. Merrell | Denver, Colorado United States | 02/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Song Cycle December Songs.
A beautiful journey.
Haunting and beautiful.
Complex and simple.
Introspective.
Full Bodied and soaring.
Grounding.
Emotional.
-- Chris Merrell"