Marie-Nicole Lemieux – MER(S) (2019) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Marie-Nicole Lemieux – MER(S) (2019)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:04:22 minutes | 1,10 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Warner Classics

MER(S) brings together three sumptuous late-19th century works for female voice and orchestra: Chausson’s Poème de l’amour et de la mer, Elgar’s Sea Pictures and, in a world premiere recording, an ‘ode-symphonie’ by Victorin Joncières entitled La mer. Following her triumphant performance as Cassandre in Berlioz’s Les Troyens, Marie-Nicole Lemieux embarks on this musical sea voyage in the company of the Orchestre et choeurs nationaux Bordeaux Aquitaine under their music director Paul Daniel.

It was mythological with Ravel’s Ondine for piano, transfigured in Debussy’s scores and mystical on the waterfront of the Villa d’Este in Liszt’s Jeux d’eau… Time and time again, the sea has left its mark on musicians, especially at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries with which we are concerned here. Its vastness, reflections, shifting colours and capacity to evoke both danger and adventure have motivated these varied works that the composers have in turn translated into irresistible sonic paintings, written for piano as well as for orchestra. Romanticism and symbolism are well suited to this theme, allowing for an abundance of embellishments. Like a mermaid singing on a rock, Marie-Nicole Lemieux has recorded this programme entitled MER(S), meaning “SEA(S)” in English. Her deep voice will not draw you down into the abyss; instead, her warmth keeps you afloat and her almost imperceptible diction adds to the dreamy atmosphere. First stop is Elgar with his Sea Pictures, a little-known but splendid score; then we head over to Chausson’s to taste the harmonic and orchestral sumptuousness of the Poem of Love and the Sea (Irma Kolassi, Jessye Norman, Dame Felicity Lott and Véronique Gens all give impeccable performances); finally, we end with La Mer of Victorin de Joncières, an impressive curiosity sung with a choir (that of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, who are clear, precise and radiant). And the counter-alto’s articulation is perfect.
Wagner’s influence on the various musicians is perceptible throughout the programme. Paul Daniel and the Orchestre National de Bordeaux Aquitaine drive the generously dense and delightfully chromatic body of these scores where the harp plays a leading role (Berlioz’s lesson has been learned). An enthralling record that will accompany us for a long time. – Elsa Siffert

Tracklist:
1. Marie-Nicole Lemieux – Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: I. Sea Slumber Song (05:16)
2. Marie-Nicole Lemieux – Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: II. In Haven (Capri) (01:49)
3. Marie-Nicole Lemieux – Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: III. Sabbath Morning at Sea (05:33)
4. Marie-Nicole Lemieux – Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: IV. Where Corals Lie (03:44)
5. Marie-Nicole Lemieux – Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: V. The Swimmer (05:54)
6. Marie-Nicole Lemieux – Chausson: Poème de l’amour et de la mer, Op. 19: I. La Fleur des eaux (11:06)
7. Marie-Nicole Lemieux – Chausson: Poème de l’amour et de la mer, Op. 19: Ia. Interlude (02:40)
8. Marie-Nicole Lemieux – Chausson: Poème de l’amour et de la mer, Op. 19: II. La Mort de l’amour (13:13)
9. Marie-Nicole Lemieux – Joncières: La Mer: I. Le Calme (05:04)
10. Marie-Nicole Lemieux – Joncières: La Mer: II. Contemplation (05:27)
11. Marie-Nicole Lemieux – Joncières: La Mer: III. La Tempête (02:48)
12. Marie-Nicole Lemieux – Joncières: La Mer: IV. Epilogue (01:44)

Personnel:
Marie-Nicole Lemieux (contralto)
Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine
Paul Daniel (conductor)

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