Visions Illuminées

“In this instance, it’s the compelling singing of Mary Bevan whose affinity with these songs is undeniable.  She throws herself at the opening ‘Fanfares’ with a refreshing abandon and within a few bars convinces me how well her voice suits this 1939 song cycle…she is variously imperious and languorous, always bringing flawless intonation and diction…In short, this thoughtfully curated and generously filled disc will delight Francophiles and those wishing to hear new versions of repertoire that may not all be familiar.  Finally, a word for 12 Ensemble, the Ruisi Quartet and pianist Joseph Middleton, all of whom are sensitive collaborators in a CD that will unquestionably bear repeated listening. Sound quality is especially impressive” – Opera Today

“Lyrically beautiful, often etherial and weightless. ..Mary Bevan is at her most charming in the well-known “Mandoline” which she sings with mercurial lightness and a humorous glint in the eye…There is, however, a substantial bonus that concludes this disc which made my mouth water, [Holmés] touching, and Mary Bevan sings them so simply and beautifully…The whole disc is in fact lovely…The playing of Joseph Middleton, 12 Ensemble and Ruisi Quartet is sparkling, the recording is excellent and Mary Bevan spreads her golden tones over the whole programme.” – Musicweb International

“Through a combination of artistry, clever programming, and novel arrangements, all this music is brought to life in a very arresting way. Warmly recommended” – Fanfare Magazine

DISC OF THE WEEK “The special qualities [Bevan] brings to French music, however, are once again in evidence on her latest recital album (again for Signum), Visions illuminées: supple tone, exquisite high notes, a velvety timbre and, above all, a vibrant engagement with the text…For those wanting a soprano performance of this popular work, this must now rate as first choice, thanks to its combination of musical insight, textual vividness and attention to detail…Duparc’s wonderfully dreamy arrangement of his celebrated Chanson triste is given a meltingly beautiful performance, both voice and instruments wonderfully soft-textured…‘Sérénade d’Hiver’ (Middleton at his sparkling best here, carefully shadowed by the players of the Ruisi Quartet)…[Homès Sérénades] make a perfect close to a disc that is sure to delight all lovers of French song, vividly recorded by the Signum team” – Europadisc

“Bevan’s singing is sensitive and beguiling throughout, pure when she needs to be, but rich and sensuous in the fruitier moments (like Ravel’s “Un gran sommeil noir”). She is accompanied by the conductorless 12 Ensemble, supplemented by Joseph Middleton on the piano and the Ruisi Quartet, who shine in the Holmès” – Arts Desk

“It’s always a delight to come across an album so richly crafted and ingeniously programmed…Bevan is the glue that holds this ambitious recital together. The material provides a perfect showcase for her voice, from searing to silken, always warm and luxurious. I always admire Middleton’s touch and fluidity, an ideal foil whether playing sweeping lines, or bringing continuity to more fractured accompaniments – always enhancing and anchoring the sound, a true collaborative musician…The ensembles are immaculate, not to mention thrilling…Warmly recommended” – Art Muse London

“It is an astonishingly intimate sound world that we’re being let in on here. She’s singing beautifully, I mean this really is wonderful. She’s enjoying every moment of that kind of extraordinarily limpid upper register that she’s got…the sound quality of the performance is remarkable so it’s a beautiful disc, it really is worth investigating.” – Radio 3 Record Review

[1] Clair de Lune, Op. 46 No. 2 – Gabriel Fauré

Les Illuminations, Op. 18 – Benjamin Britten
[2] I. Fanfare
[3] II. Villes
[4] IIIa. Phrase
[5] IIIb. Antique
[6] IV. Royauté
[7] V. Marine
[8] VI. Interlude
[9] VII. Being beauteous
[10] VIII. Parade
[11] IX. Départ

Un grand sommeil noir – Maurice Ravel, arr. Robin Holloway
[12] Les grands vents venus d’outre-mer
[13] Un grand sommeil noir
[14] Si morne

[15] Chanson triste – Henri Duparc
[16] Tes yeux bleus Emmanuel ChabrierString orchestra arrangement
[17] Chanson perpétuelle, Op. 37 Ernest Chausson

Quatre Mélodies de Verlaine – Claude Debussy, arr. Robin Holloway
[18] La mer est plus belle
[19] Mandoline
[20] Le son du cor s’afflige
[21] L’échelonnement des haies

Sérénades  – Augusta Holmés
Piano Quintet arrangement
[22] Sérénade printanière
[23] Sérénade d’Été
[24] Sérénade d’Automne
[25] Sérénade d’Hiver
[26] Sérénade de toujours