Germaine Tailleferre
(1892–1983)
Darius Milhaud
(1892–1974)
Mélodies et chansons
Vol. 2
Holger Falk, baritone
Steffen Schleiermacher, piano
MDG 613 2279-2
(CD)
Price: 21,99 €
succinct
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!
ebullient
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-Étude" which leaves the listener with many a question mark…
eccentric
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.
irrepressible
The "Six chants populaires hébraïques" 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.
"There is a really lovely feeling of airy enchantment pervading this... That said, the air around Tailleferre's 'La Rue Chagrin' is somewhat smoke-filled, given just how evocative it is of a late-night Parisian bar, patrons drowning their sorrows. Baritone Holger Falk navigates the set with characterful swagger and nuance, while Steffen Schleiermacher is a responsive piano partner throughout." - BBC Music Magazine
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