Customer Reviews

Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été; Ravel; Debussy; Poulenc

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This disc is no doubt a tour de force performance of Berlioz's much beloved song-cycle. Among the few so-called classic recordings of this work, I personally find Janet Baker's version over-rated. While tackling the dramatic force of the score brilliantly, Baker's voice nonetheless seems too heavy for these ethereal, dreamy songs. The one recording that rivals Crespin -- not her unsurpassed French flavor, but in terms of overall expressiveness -- is Victoria de los Angeles's artfully direct, touching singing with Charles Munch -- if only it could be properly remastered!!!

Many might argue with my view of Berlioz' "Les Nuit d'Ete." I've never warmed to the piece in the past and even Crespin's voice cannot change my mind on the matter. I can only revel in her stunningly perfect singing which is truly a pleasure. Immediately following, however, is Ravel's "Scheherazade" and it is for this striking cycle that this CD is invaluable. Crespin presents each of these three songs with effortless legato, lovely piannissimi, dramatic dynamics and endless colors. I now listen to this performance wherever I can: at home, in my car and with anyone who will take the time to enjoy it with me. At the same time, I would not want to give up my recording by another great soprano Victoria de los Angeles. The latter, while not as vocally perfect, provides an even greater degree of verbal expressiveness and variety. Even so, Crespin's performance provides different and equal rewards. Fortunately, I can have both discs in my collection. I warmly recommend them to yours.

Regine Crespin is so clear, so subtle, you are drawn into the music and listen from within. With confidence, I recommend everything in her repetoire. Yes, many titles but most especially "La Spectre de la Rose" Unduplicated yet.

Kele Agi
New York, NY 2005

The voice of Regine Crespin is so clear, so subtle, you are drawn into the music and listen from within. I recommend this title but most especially "La Spectre de la Rose", which is the absolute top.

When I listened to this disc, I was so impressed at the quality of recording and the beauty of Regine Crespin's singing. Crespin's singing is very beautiful! Her voice has warmth like that of Flagstad in her prime time or that of Renee Fleming, and beauty. Of course, Ansermet's conducting is very beautiful. You can enjoy the wonderful world of French chanson. Believe me! If you can't believe in what I said, you try it. You also feel the beauty. This "Les Nuits d'ete" is the best one, I think. (Of course, there are many wonderful recordings, I know. But I have never heard better version than this one.) And this price...you won't regret to buy it!

Crespin's interpretations of Berlioz and Ravel are not only immensely beautiful but also incredibly intelligent.

Just listen to her phrasing and wording and get carried away. Noone does it better!!!

Régine Crespin's recording of Berlioz's Les Nuits d'été is quite simply still - after forty-plus years - the finest I've ever heard, and that includes some fifteen different recordings. Add her immaculately clear enunciation of the verbal text to the gorgeous vocal qualities of those long-held vowels, and her fantastically acute articulation and phrasing of Berlioz's musical re-imagining of Gautier poems, coupled with deeply sensitive accompaniment by Ernest Ansermet and his Suisse Romande orchestra, and we really have no need for other recordings (not that I don't welcome them, as long as they don't make Mme Crespin's go out of print). This, as Gramophone magazine recognized upon original release, is one of the really great triumphs of musical recordings, an immediate and lasting classic. You owe it to yourself to get to know this recording. The Ravel Shérézade, while a lesser composition, is of comparable performance and recording quality.

I bought the vinyl LP of this way back in the 1960s, and since then it has been loved almost to death -- scratches, pops, jumps...

What a delight to find it rejuvenated on CD. Regine Crespin's is surely the definitive performance.

I am fortunate, indeed, to have seen and heard Regine Crespin perform two of her most famous roles at the Metropolitan Opera. One was the title role in "Carmen" and, although perhaps too mature for the role, her acting was as strong as her singing...and her singing was magnificent. This was a Carmen to be reckoned with. The other role was even more impressive: The Mother Superior in Poulenc's "Dialogues of the Carmelites." First I saw her perform it in English and then at another performance in French. Her death scene was one of the most harrowing I've ever experienced on any stage. This recording will introduce everyone to the beauty, subtlety, charm and fine interpretations of Madame Crespin. And the Berlioz' "Les Nuits D'ete" is arguably the best available.

Regine Crespin achieved a distinctive pinnacle around these magnificent recordings. This is a must-collect album from any point of view you regard it. She had absolute commitment, imaginative reverie and exultant flair. What else may it be requested?

Don't hesitate for a second and buy this album. A legendary treasure!