Godard, Benjamin (1849-1895) - Melodies : Christoyannis(Br)Jeff Cohen(P) - Import CD

Credits:

Apostel, H.E.

Description:

Christoyannis & Cohen presents the world premiere recording of the songs of Banjaman Godard, the undiscovered master of French song! A very prolific composer, he left many works in all genres, including operas, orchestral and ballet music, concertos, and chamber music, many of which have been forgotten. This is the second CD by Christoyannis & Cohen, following "The Complete Lieder of Edouard Lalo," that features his songs as well as those of other well-known composers. Godard, who left more than 160 songs along with Gounod and Massenet, the most prolific songwriters of the time, was an indispensable composer for the development and enrichment of the song repertoire in 19th century France, where the status of the song genre was not yet firmly established. He is credited with elevating French song, which until then had been a mishmash of genres such as chanson and romance, to the same level of importance as chamber music through the high artistry of the piano part and the ingenuity of the form.Along with his numerous songs, this CD includes two completely different collections of songs, "Six Fables of La Fontaine, op. 17" and "New Songs of Old, op. 24". The "Six Fables of La Fontaine, op. 17" are six songs based on well-known stories, such as "The Ant and the Grasshopper," from a collection of poems based on Aesop's Fables. The world of the poems is dramatically depicted without being bound by formality, and each song is like a small musical drama. New Songs of Old, op. 24" is based on poems from the 15th to 17th centuries. The music itself is in a style known at the time as the "old style," and in fact is said to have a strong 18th century character. This collection of works conveys an antique flavor with its nostalgic formal beauty and melodic use of sound. The charm of French music of the mid-19th century is concentrated in this collection of songs by Godard, including the songful loveliness of pre-impressionist France and the delicate sense of harmony that sneaks in with a whiff of clear tonality. The warmth of Christoyannis and Cohen's performance perfectly matches the music. Listen to these unknown masterpieces that remind you of the gentle sunlight. King International

Tracklisting:

1.Te souviens-tu, Op. 19/6
2.Le Banc de pierre, Op. 19/7
3.Je ne veux pas d'autres choses, Op. 11/1
4.Dieu, qui sourit et qui donne, Op. 10/9
5.Jacotte, Op. 10/5
6.Six Fables de La Fontaine, Op. 17: La Laitiere et le Pot au lait
7.Six Fables de La Fontaine, Op. 17: La Cigale et la Fourmi
8.Six Fables de La Fontaine, Op. 17: Le Renard et la Corbeau
9.Six Fables de La Fontaine, Op. 17: Le Coche et la Mouche
10.Six Fables de La Fontaine, Op. 17: Le Renard et les Raisins
11.Six Fables de La Fontaine, Op. 17: Le Rat de ville et le Rat des champs
12.L'invitation au voyage, Op. 114
13.Les Adieux du berger, Op. 29/5
14.Elle, Op. 7/10
15.Chanson du berger, Op. 11/5
16.Nouvelles Chansons du vieux temps, Op. 24: Suis-je belle?
17.Nouvelles Chansons du vieux temps, Op. 24: Printemps
18.Nouvelles Chansons du vieux temps, Op. 24: Menuet
19.Nouvelles Chansons du vieux temps, Op. 24: Chanson de Malherbe
20.Nouvelles Chansons du vieux temps, Op. 24: Vaudeville
21.Nouvelles Chansons du vieux temps, Op. 24: J'ai perdu ma tourterelle
22.Printemps, Op. 113
23.Guitare, Op. 10/11
24.Chanson, Op. 7/4
25.Le Menetrier, Op. 10/6
26.Message, Op. 147/1