Néère - Music By Hahn; Chausson; Duparc

Susan Manoff proves a very good accompanist here, better than Roger Vignoles on Gens' disc Nuit d'Etoiles. It's not up there with Felicity Lott and Graham Johnson in the Hahn songs, but, nevertheless, very well done. A lovely voice, but I wish she'd use a little more interpretive colouring in some of her words and phrasing.

A beautiful disc that repays repeated listening. The blend of the voice with the piano is perfect.

Veronique Gens has a beautiful voice and has chosen songs that allow her to give full expression. A rewarding disc that will be given frequent playing in this household.

Gens' voice is exquisite.

Such great choice of pieces. Such a fine singer.

Poor quality of the physical CD since the second time I got it out from the CD box, it has been totally ripped.

Cherishable

Veronique Gens is a French Soprano who has an impeccable grasp of the melodie form.This collection of songs by Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947), Henri Duparc (1848-1933) andErnest Chausson (1855-1899) delivers a delicious warm rosy glow to the heart and spirit.There are 24 numbers in the recital : 10 by Hahn, 5 by Duparc and 9 by Chausson. The‘Sept Melodies’ Op. 2 by the latter (composed between 1879 and 1882) are especiallybeautiful. The line and bloom in Ms Gens’ voice in her performance of ‘Nanny’ (Op. 2 :1)is both thrilling and touching in equal measure. Elsewhere, her take on Hahn’s somewhatHandelian ‘Etudes Latines : Neere’ (1900) hangs in the air like a ray of soft golden sunlight.Of the Duparc pieces ‘Chanson Triste’ (1868) steals the show with its aching sense of pathos.Ms Gens deserves our applause for one of the loveliest classical releases of the year.Brava!