Debussy's "Ariettes oubliées" were inspired by Marie Vasnier, a married soprano with whom he had a multi-year affair, and were later rededicated to soprano Mary Garden.
Recording & Production
This recording is the first album released on the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's own label, in partnership with the London Symphony Orchestra's recording arm, LSO Live.
Performer Biography
Soprano Siobhan Stagg, featured on this recording, made a noted debut as Pamina in Mozart's "Die Zauberflöte" at the Royal Opera House and also made a triumphant debut as Mélisande, a role that earned Mary Garden the final dedication of Debussy's "Ariettes oubliées."
Composition History
The orchestration of Debussy's "Ariettes oubliées" on this album was created in 2015 by Australian composer Brett Dean, originally for Magdalena Kožená and Simon Rattle.
Composer Biography
Richard Strauss met his future wife, Pauline de Ahna, a soprano, through voice lessons, and her voice remained the mental model for his soprano parts even after she retired from singing.
Composition History
Claude Debussy's "Ariettes oubliées" (Forgotten Songs) is a depiction of first love, while Richard Strauss's "Four Last Songs" is an 84-year-old's final statement on a nearly 55-year marriage.
Composition History
Richard Strauss officially retired from composition in 1941 but continued to write instrumental works and songs, humorously calling them 'wrist exercises,' with the "Four Last Songs" being among his very last.
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