@vonspre actually, the reason they weren't chosen was, because Ravel missed the deadline due to illness. Ibert protested and tried to pull his pieces, but the filmmakers said no. If you listen to the Ibert pieces they are even slower in tempo than Ravel's pieces, so that was definitely not the reason.
I sang both of these sets on at least two recitals, and I still can't pick a favorite. They are fantastically expressive in their own ways.
This was Ravel's last completed work. It had been commissioned for a film by G.W. Pabst starring Chaliapine, but the slowness of Ravel's composing meant that the songs were not used, and Jacques Ibert provided some songs instead.
@vonspre actually, the reason they weren't chosen was, because Ravel missed the deadline due to illness. Ibert protested and tried to pull his pieces, but the filmmakers said no. If you listen to the Ibert pieces they are even slower in tempo than Ravel's pieces, so that was definitely not the reason.
I sang both of these sets on at least two recitals, and I still can't pick a favorite. They are fantastically expressive in their own ways.
operamac 9 months ago
yes... because he is a bass not a baritone!
bassocantante 11 months ago
Un ton plus bas c'est quand meme beaucoup...
Zathene1 1 year ago
Umm, is there any reason why the Chanson a Boire is a whole tone lower than written? I think that VERY strange.
operamaddy 1 year ago
Sheer sensuous pleasure! Siepi's warm,
rapturously beautiful voice...refined,
powerful, resplendent, is a joy to hear
in song or aria! Particularly like his in-
terpretation of King Philip II's aria in
Verdi's Don Carlos! Siepi is magnifi-
cent in the Ravel and his French is
exemplary! Thank you for the rare
and priceless post...a true treasure!
Kievest 2 years ago
wonderful video
jjaayyaannaa 2 years ago
This was Ravel's last completed work. It had been commissioned for a film by G.W. Pabst starring Chaliapine, but the slowness of Ravel's composing meant that the songs were not used, and Jacques Ibert provided some songs instead.
vonspre 2 years ago
Ah, Siepi! I just LOVE the sound of his voice, and what a great artist! His French is also almost impeccable, a real surprise coming from an Italian.
billyguns2 2 years ago