Rosamund Illing, Steve Davislim, Leanne Kenneally & Zan McKendree-Wright
Belle Époque Chorus & Orchestra Victoria, Guillaume Tourniaire
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
Features the thrilling international tenor based in Europe, Steve Davislim
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.
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
CD book contains articles by Bettany Hughes, noted Helen of Troy specialist, and Professor Hugh McDonald, distinguished Berlioz biographer and musicologist
The recording of Hélène and Nuit Persane brought Melba to the Prague State Opera for its 120th Anniversary celebration with gala concert performances in February 2008 – under the baton of Guillaume Tourniaire, following his Melba recording of them
Presented in SACD surround sound, SACD stereo and CD stereo (hybrid)
2 disc set within luxury 100-page book including essays, illustrations and translations, with full libretto and song texts in French and English
“Though Rosamund Illing is hardly a Melba, her bright clear voice is apt, and the only reservation is that Venus and Pallas are a little too alike, equally bright and clear. The star performance comes from tenor Steve Davislim, exploiting his wonderfully true and well focused voice over a wide tonal range.” Gramophone Magazine, 2008 Awards Issue
