Kiri Te Kanawa, Canteloube, VillaLobos, English Chamber Orchestra Jeffrey Tate - Chants DAuvergne Vol 2 Bachianas Brasileiras No 5

Review by Amanda Maynard

The album Chants D'Auvergne by Kiri Te Kanawa, Canteloube, VillaLobos, and the English Chamber Orchestra with Jeffrey Tate conducting, is a beautiful and enchanting collection of traditional French folk songs. Kiri Te Kanawa's voice is simply stunning, with its clear and pure tone, and her interpretation of these songs is both sensitive and evocative.

The album features some of the most well-known songs from the Auvergne region of France, including "Baïlèro" and "Malurous qu'o uno fenno". The arrangements by Joseph Canteloube are masterful, with their lush orchestration and use of traditional instruments such as the tambourin and the cabrette.

In addition to the Auvergne songs, the album also includes selections from Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos' "Bachianas Brasileiras" and "Forest of the Amazon". These pieces showcase Te Kanawa's versatility as a singer, as she effortlessly transitions from the French folk songs to the more complex and challenging works of Villa-Lobos.

The English Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Jeffrey Tate, provides the perfect accompaniment to Te Kanawa's vocals. Their playing is precise and nuanced, and they bring out the beauty and richness of the music.

Summary by Amanda Maynard

Chants D'Auvergne is a wonderful album that showcases the talents of Kiri Te Kanawa, Canteloube, Villa-Lobos, and the English Chamber Orchestra. It is a must-have for anyone who loves traditional folk music or classical music with a touch of world music influence.