Classical: Dawn Upshaw; Debussy Rediscovered

DAWN UPSHAW
Hommage A Jane Bathori: The Inspiring Muse
PRODUCER: Tim Oldham
Erato 3984-27329
American soprano Dawn Upshaw has a special affinity for French repertoire, as evidenced in her star turns in the two greatest 20th-century French operas-Debussy's "Pell as Et M lisande" and Messiaen's "Saint Fran‡ois d'Assise"-and her poetic performances on such recital discs as her Debussy song set on Sony. She underlines that bond with this tribute to Parisian soprano Jane Bathori (1877-1970), the singer of choice for composers from Debussy and Ravel to Koechlin, Satie, Roussel, Milhaud, and Honegger-each of whom is represented here. On the set, recorded live in the Theatre des Champs-Elysees of Paris, Upshaw sings like a bird throughout and is ably accompanied by pianist Jerome Ducros. Even with the smart, sensuous main program, the album's highlight comes with the encore: Henri Dutilleux's poignant "San Francisco Night," receiving its premiere recording here.

DEBUSSY REDISCOVERED
San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, Emil de Cou
PRODUCER: Adam Abeshouse
Arabesque 6734
Like much that is beautiful in this world, Debussy's orchestral scores are far too few. Yet San Francisco Ballet music director Emil de Cou offers some consolation with this enterprising set, which features premiere recordings of several orchestrations of Debussy piano pieces, as well as the first take on the composer's original, chorus-laced version of the suite "Printemps." The lambent transcription of "Pagodes" by Debussy's short-lived contemporary Andr Caplet shimmers like moonlight upon a calm sea; likewise, the orchestrations of the "Six Epigraphes Antiques" by conductor Ernest Ansermet move with a seemingly tangible but ultimately evanescent, otherworldly air. Perhaps "Printemps" is better in its later, all-instrumental guise. But then there is the famous "Clair De Lune," even more touching in its rendition here for strings and harp. A recording that could win many hearts if given the proper exposure. Distributed in North America by Allegro and in the U.K. by Complete.