Frédéric Chaslin, the composer of the cycles Chansons pour elle and Nudités, initially did not intend to write a full cycle for Chansons pour elle, but rather set individual poems to music.
Performer Biography
Julie Cherrier-Hoffmann, the singer on this album, began her singing education in French mélodie at age 15, before pursuing opera.
Compositional Technique
Frédéric Chaslin's compositions often feature 'almost cinematographic illustrations,' such as cat paws playing in 'La nuit' or raindrops in 'La pluie' from his Nudités cycle.
Composer's Artistic Vision
For his cycle Chansons pour elle, Frédéric Chaslin aimed to translate the hedonistic and fantastic world of Jean Cocteau's poetry into music, rather than focusing on novel sound effects.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Frédéric Chaslin believes that the French mélodie is the best way to highlight the voice, which he considers the most beautiful instrument, by focusing on the natural extension of the poem.
Performer Biography
Julie Cherrier-Hoffmann was guided in French singing by renowned artists such as pianist Philippe Entremont, legendary mezzo-soprano Teresa Berganza, and baritone Jean-Philippe Lafont.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded by Little Tribeca from August 25 to 28, 2020, at the Collégiale Saint-Maur d'Hattonchâtel, Vigneulles-lès-Hattonchâtel, using a Steinway B piano.
