This 68-minute program–a compilation of recordings made by Jordi Savall, Montserrat Figueras & Co. during the years 1976 and 2008 (including several selections originally released on dhm and Virgin Classics)–proved one of those purely pleasurable, effortlessly rewarding listening sessions that only rarely come along. We don’t often review compilations drawn from multiple recordings made in different venues and over many years–they’re so often programmatically disjointed and sonically varied; but in this case it doesn’t matter. The music is compatible stylistically and these performers are so consistent in the quality and care and vitality of their performances that, well, what’s 30 years or so?
In the three Caccini selections Figueras shows why her voice and expressive powers must be the envy of all other singers of this repertoire–or at least the model to which they aspire. Is there a more sensuous, clear, articulate, consummately musical singer in the entire early-music field? Not only is every word and phrase eloquently shaped and shaded, but few if any singers can execute those little fluttery ornamental runs the way she does, so free of effort, so affecting, so important to conveying the songs’ inherent personality and passionate feeling. And these pieces also are models of sensitive, artful partnership, Hopkinson Smith’s lute and theorbo providing ideally matched accompaniment.
This same mastery of detail and sympathetic ensemble marks Savall’s gamba playing in such pieces as the selection from Lully’s Le Divertissement Royal, in concert with his Le Concert des Nations colleagues. And there are some fine tunes on display as well, including “Une Jeune Fillette”, sung by Figueras and Maria Cristina Kiehr, and Savall’s variations on “Greensleeves”. The program ends with a grand Chaconne by Lully, an excellent conclusion that vibrantly captures the full-bodied timbres of Le concert des Nations. As usual, Jordi Savall’s notes are insightful and informative, and unlike many such compilations from other labels, Alia Vox offers full texts and translations of the vocal selections (in six languages!), beautifully packaged. A very worthwhile, entertaining release. [8/4/2009]
