| In the oeuvre of many composers, vocal works are often the most personal, as if the primacy of the human voice and speech elicit an unguarded response. The works on this CD all stem from highly autobiographical sources. The works fall into three groups: the first instrumentalizes and orchestrates the voice stripped of text as in 'Nuits' and 'Knephas'; the second, exemplified by 'Medea,' is based on his beloved Classical Greek theater; and the third sets vocal texts where the language is left whole and undisturbed with music which displays a limpid and strict modality.
GRAMOPHONE CRITICS' CHOICE
DIAPASON D'OR
'Nothing short of phenomenal. Here is one of the 20th century's most important musical voices, and this recording does that voice full justice' (Gramophone)
'Staggering virtuosity. A likely disc of the year' (The Sunday Times)
'This is a 'must have' disc. Quite simply magnificent. Overwhelming. Buy it!' (Classic CD)
'Riveting' (The Irish Times)
'Achingly beautiful as well as aesthetically satisfying. I can't imagine a better representation of the vocal work both in program and performance. This is an absolute Must Have for everyone' (Fanfare, USA)
'Quite dazzling … these performers make this music mythically awesome and hypnotically accessible' (Choir & Organ)
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