Violin Songs
£8.99 – £12.50
From one of the UK’s most celebrated and accomplished violinists comes a recording of personal favourites in a recital of romantic and lyrical music par excellence. Madeleine Mitchell is enjoying a highly successful career in both recording and live recitals, and her first CD for Divine Art is a joyful celebration of her chosen instrument. With highly accomplished pianist Andrew Ball, and joined in Strauss’s “Morgen” by soprano Elizabeth Watts, winner of the 2007 Recital Prize at the Cardiff “Singer of the World” competition. Included is the first ever recording of the newly-discovered Morceau Caracteristique by Frank Bridge.
Track Listing
-
Edward Elgar:
- Salut d'Amour, op. 12 (3:08) Alban Berg:
- Die Nachtigall (2:12) Frank Bridge:
- Melodie (3:44) Aaron Copland:
- Nocturne (5:20) Sergei Prokofiev:
- Cinq Melodies, op. 35B − I. Andante (2:15)
- Cinq Melodies, op. 35B − II. Lento ma non troppo (2:46)
- Cinq Melodies, op. 35B − III. Animato ma non troppo (3:31)
- Cinq Melodies, op. 35B − IV. Allegretto leggiere (1:33)
- Cinq Melodies, op. 35B − V. Andante non troppo (2:51) Frank Bridge:
- Morceau Caracteristique (6:55) Jules Massenet:
- Thaïs: Méditation (4:47) Edward Elgar:
- Chanson de Matin, op. 15 no. 2 (3:07) Frank Bridge:
- Amaryllis (2:18)
- Romanze (4:28) Lili Boulanger:
- Nocturne (2:56) Frank Bridge:
- Spring Song (2:20) Francis Poulenc:
- Violon (2:04) Maurice Ravel:
- Berceuse sur le nom de Ravel (2:42) Franz Schubert:
- Ava Maria, D. 839 (5:32) Frank Bridge:
- Moto Perpetuo (1:46) Edward Elgar:
- Chanson de Nuit, op. 15 no. 1 (3:30) Frank Bridge:
- Berceuse (2:46) Richard Strauss:
- Morgen, op. 27 no. 4 (4:16)
Reviews
“The violinist applies her highly lyrical technique…and succeeds admirably in recreating the atmosphere of this bygone era.
” —Kevin Bryan
“Madeleine Mitchell has promoted much contemporary music, but now her violin turns wistful and melodic, wrapped in early 20th-century reveries. The seven charming Frank Bridge selections show her at her best. – ⭐️⭐️⭐️
” —Geoff Brown
“Madeleine Mitchell’s playing is most appealing. Her tone is sweet and bright, and she and Andrew Ball are unfailingly sensitive to the nuances and character of each piece. The programme has several focuses of attention, culminating in a true song (Strauss) featuring a radiant-sounding Elizabeth Watts.
” —Duncan Druce
“Most [of these pieces] are rarities and it is delightful to have them here, especially when played with such warmth and finesse. This is a CD full of small joys, wonderfully played. The sound is close and warm.
” —Tim Homfray
“Listening to this CD is a delight from start to finish. The title is more than apt as throughout each carefully prepared piece, Mitchell’s violin truly sings and creates that calming and soothing effect which makes one forget all worldly troubles. Te lovely booklet… is almost worth the price of the CD alone. Mitchell herself wrote the notes which make fascinating reading. Truly a CD to cherish and treasure, keep it for a cold evening tucked away by the fireplace and just let it sink in. Utterly magical!
” —Gerald Fenech
“This CD… merits consideration on several levels. [Mitchell’s] touching sense of inner repose makes a touching impression… her sensitive musicianship comes as a welcome antidote to the thrusting lusciousness of other violinists.. her phrasing is quite outstanding. Andrew Ball… is an admirable accompanist. The recording quality throughout is good. Recommended.
” —Robert Matthew-Walker
“Mitchell is one of the best things to happen to violin, classical or otherwise. With a tremendous touch and wonderful style, this is gentle, caressing music that will blow you away. . Simply a great recording.
” —Chris Spector
“a beguiling programme…surprising delights. Wonderful lyrical tone, captured in fine sound. Andrew Ball is a perfectly discreet accompanist. Elizabeth Watts’s divine performance confirms that she is an exceptional young talent. Overall, an enjoyable disc.
” —Christopher Dingle
“This is an album of charming music, brought to shimmering life by Madeleine Mitchell’s spirited yet sensitive virtuosity.
”
“Madeleine Mitchell’s heart-on-sleeve approach works especially well…If you like your violin miniatures con espressivo with lashings of vibrato and tasteful portamento then this is the disc for you – ⭐️⭐️⭐️
” —Julian Haylock
“Mitchell is a performer who delights in taking her red violins to schools and other non-specialist audiences, and these are just the sort of tunes that could be relied on to captivate them. But there is clearly also a serious musician operating beneath the show-womanship, and there are some unexpected rarities in the mix. Throughout Andrew Ball provides excellent support.
” —Serena Fenwick
