Utwory na płycie:

• Mai, Op 1 No 2
• Puisqu'ici bas toute ame, Op 10 No 1
• Dans les ruines d'une abbaye, Op 2 No 1
• Lydia, Op 4 No 2
• L'absent, Op 5 No 3
• Chant d'automne, Op 5 No 1
• Tristesse, Op 6 No 2
• Apres une reve, Op 7 No 1
• Le voyageur, Op 18 No 2
• Serenade toscane, Op 3 No 2
• Automne, Op 18 No 3
• La fee aux chansons, Op 27 No 2
• Noel, Op 43 No 1
• Clair de lune, Op 46 No 2
• Spleen, Op 51 No 3
• Il est ne, le divin enfant
• En prière
• Prison, Op 83 No 1
• Dans la foret de septembre, Op 85 No 1
• Chanson, Op 94
• Le jardin clos, Op 106. i Exaucement
• Le jardin clos, Op 106. ii Quand tu plonges tes yeux dans mes yeux
• Le jardin clos, Op 106. iii Le messagere
• Le jardin clos, Op 106. iv Je me poserai sur ton coeur
• Le jardin clos, Op 106. v Dans la nymphee
• Le jardin clos, Op 106. vi Dans la penombre
• Le jardin clos, Op 106. vii Il m'est cher, Amour, le bandeau
• Le jardin clos, Op 106. viii Inscription sur le sable

This second instalment in our exciting new series encompassing all Fauré’s songs takes its title from the opening line of Clair de lune – ‘Votre âme est un paysage choisi’ (‘Your soul is a chosen landscape’) – which is regarded by many as representing the pinnacle of Fauré’s considerable achievement in the genre. Here we have songs reflecting the various seasons of the year, atmospheric landscapes from Tuscany to Versailles, and the various mystical symbols of Van Lerberghe’s Le jardin clos. As with volume one, Graham Johnson has employed a veritable panoply of artists – the very finest interpreters of French song that could be found. Generous commentaries are provided for each song along with the original poems and English translations.

'the discreet but authoritative Graham Johnson has masterminded a pleasing sequence of more than two dozen songs shared among eight singers. For my money, the soprano Geraldine McGreevy is the star of the enterprise. The way she adjusts her tone colour - indeed, her whole musical personality - between songs, is often remarkable … Johnson's annotations are both erudite and valuable as listening aids' (The Independent)

'the chronological placement of songs within the programme highlights the composer's development and the quality and variety of Fauré's achievement shine through. As well as providing his usual comprehensive notes, Johnson is as ever a perceptive accompanist' (BBC Music Magazine)

'all the singers involved in this ideally presented and recorded offering perform with a special ardour and commitment and Graham Johnson is, as always, a matchless partner and commentator. I can scarcely wait for Volume 3' (Gramophone)

'As before, Johnson's notes are a model of what's required, whether you are an adept in Fauré's mélodies or a newcomer. They are stylish, informative and suffused with his passion for this music. Then there's his own artistry, authoritative but never overbearing' (International Record Review)

'There can be nothing but praise for Johnson's pianism and his selection and arrangement of the songs. Volumes 3 and 4 are eagerly awaited' (The Sunday Telegraph)

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Recording details: August 2004; All Saints, Durham Road, East Finchley, London, United Kingdom; Release date: April 2005;