- Karina Gauvin, soprano. Photo by Michael Slobodian
Calm Air and peaceful days,
Cool strings and green fields,
These are the objects desired
By the shepherd and his flock
– [Aer tranquillo, Aminta, II Re Pastore, K. 208, Acte, Act I]
Mozart is dramatic. He understood how to shape complex narratives out of moods that seem to replace each other from one moment to the next. His lyricism lends itself to the voice like no other, and taps into tragic human flaws in an almost existential way.
Even in Mozart’s instrumental writing, he was an opera composer at heart. We can hear it in the massive gloom of the overture to Don Giovanni, and the refined innocence of the finale of the 27th Piano Concerto. In the restless beginning of the 25th Symphony, or in the serenity of the slow movement of the “Jupiter” symphony, Mozart was all about the human condition – vigilant in one moment, tragic in another.
In comes a rich and lush CD on the ATMA label that highlights a number of Mozart’s most tender moods, as sung by Canadian soprano Karina Gauvin and Les Violons du Roy. This CD focuses on airs for soprano, (and one for counter soprano), from very diverse periods and styles. It also contains one early and another late overture from two opera series.
Gauvin and Les Violons du Roy make a compatible team, which is stunningly recorded in pristine sound. The disc has that Sunday morning quality of making one want to curl up under a soft blanket, and peer out into the early spring landscape of melting snow.
Originally from Repentigny, Quebec, Karina Gauvin is best known for her singing Baroque repertoire, with a special emphasis on Bach. After Britton, Handel, Porpora, Purcell, Vivaldi, and now Mozart, Gauvin has shared the best of her immense talents in this very special release.
Gauvin explains “When I sing this music, something undefinable happens. It’s like being in heaven… Perhaps that’s what people mean when they say Mozart’s music comes straight from God.”
Also of note, is the incredibly clear and concise recording balance between the voice and the string orchestra. Where engineers often strive to capture the best seat in the house experience, this recording almost sounds as if the listener is sitting directly on stage with these remarkable musicians.
More details here.
See here for video footage of Karina Gauvin singing with Les Violons Du Roy
Michael Vincent
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