"One could not wish for a more beautiful rendition of Irish songs than The Lover's Curse, as performed by Robin Hendrix and Michel Prezman. Her warm mezzo voice, sensitive phrasing, and poetic diction focus on each song with jewel-like precision - to which Michel Prezman's accompaniments provide the perfect framework. The Lover's Curse is a MUST for all those who wish to enjoy Irish Song."
Dalton Baldwin - internationally renowned pianist and master of art song accompaniment
The songs on this very special recording of Irish music are called "traditional art songs" because they combine traditional words and melodies with fine accompaniments written by classical composers. Arranging Irish, English and Scottish folksongs has been popular for centuries among classical composers, including Haydn and Beethoven. The songs on this recording were arranged by British composers who, at the turn of the 20th century, collected as many of the folksongs of the British Isles that they could find in an effort to preserve them.
Each song is unique in style, coming from musically distinct regions of Ireland. With their strong, touching lyrics and grand melodies, the songs are an open canvas for expression. Most were originally sung in Gaelic, but have since been set to poetry in English. Herbert Hughes made his mark with his four-volume set of Irish Country Songs published from 1909 to 1936, and many of the arrangements on this recording are his. Also included are arrangements by Cecil Sharpe and others.
Robin Hendrix performs and records classical vocal works and traditional songs. She is known for her remarkable "copper-colored" voice, and for her rich and moving interpretation of song lyrics. Another recording of her's available on CD Baby is Nursery Rhymes and Nursery Songs by J.W. Elliott.
Composer/Pianist Michel Prezman creates and produces music for many genres. A product of the Paris Conservatory, this talented composer scores music for film, ballet, cabaret, and world music. As a result, his accompanying style has a composer's sensibilities.
Read more...