Maciej Pikulski, the pianist, has performed in over 300 halls on five continents and has made 15 recordings on CD and DVD.
Album & Artwork
The album title, "Les Blasphèmes Mélodies Fin-de-siècle," reflects a theme of blasphemy and fin-de-siècle anxieties, which is explored throughout the booklet.
Performer Biography
Sarah Laulan, the contralto on this recording, is a laureate of the Geneva Competition (2016) and the Queen Elisabeth Competition (2014).
Album & Artwork
The album's artwork features lithographs by Félicien Rops, a Belgian artist known for his Symbolist and often provocative works.
Interpretation
The contralto voice, as featured on this album, is described as ambiguous, representing both "The Mother and the Whore," and challenging male chauvinism.
Historical Context
The fin-de-siècle period, reflected in the album's title, was marked by societal changes like industrialization, rural exodus, and challenges to faith, as well as events like the Dreyfus affair.
Recording & Production
Four pieces on this album, "Les deux ménétriers" by Cécile Chaminade, "Danse païenne" by Cécile Chaminade, "L'Amour et le crâne" by Vincent d'Indy, and "Nocturne des cantilènes" by Poldowski, are first releases on this disc.
You might also enjoy...
Schubert, Brahms & Verdi: Vocal Works
Romances of Russian Composers
Pratella: Songs for Voice & Piano
Lopes-Graça: Songs & Folk Songs, Vol. 2
At That Hour - Art Songs by Henry Dehlinger
Vocal Recital: Rovics, Christina - Copland, A. / Falla, M. De / Faure, G. / Strauss, R.
