Helene/nuit Persane (Illing)

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Historic world-premiere recordings of two Saint-Saëns lost masterpieces, recently rediscovered, herald Melba Recordings' major release schedule this autumn. Hélène is a one hour, one act poème lyrique written for Dame Nellie Melba in 1904, it features the thrilling international tenor based in Europe, Steve Davislim.

Saint-Saëns depicts one of history's greatest love affairs in music that is characterised by soaring lyricism and shot through with sumptuous melodies. Hélène is coupled with another world premiere recording, the orchestral version of Saint-Saëns' hypnotic cycle for tenor, alto, chorus, narrator and orchestra, Nuit Persane - a memorable account showcasing Steve Davislim and alto Zan McKendree-Wright. Both works exemplify Saint-Saëns at his best.

The album marks the debut on Melba Recordings of Guillaume Tourniaire, one of the most exhilarating conductors of our time. Tourniaire is Artistic Director of the State Opera, Prague.

2 disc set within luxury 100-page accompanying book, which includes essays, illustrations and translations, with full libretto and song texts in French and English. The book also contains articles by Bettany Hughes, noted Helen of Troy specialist, and Professor Hugh McDonald, distinguished Berlioz biographer and musicologist.

Presented in SACD surround sound, SACD stereo and CD stereo (hybrid).

Personnel:
Rosamund Illing - (Helene), Steve Davislim - (Paris), Leanne Kenneally - (Venus), Zan McKendree-Wright - (Pallas), Belle Époque Chorus & Orchestra Victoria, Guillaume Tourniaire conductor











REVIEW
(4 stars) No expense spared, with superior presentation, excellent notes, and a first-rate cast.Davislim is an outstanding international lyric tenor. -- BBC Music Magazine, (Michael Scott Rohan), September 2008

Number of Discs: 2

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