Roderick Williams/Vignoles - Mirages: The Art of French Song

In their latest release for Champs Hill Records, distinguished baritone Roderick Williams and acclaimed pianist Roger Vignoles join forces once again to offer a stunning recording, this time inspired by their critically acclaimed Wigmore Hall recital of French Song. Williams and Vignoles guide the listener through much-loved and lesser-known songs by the most celebrated French song composers, and others perhaps less well-known to English audiences. One of the particular joys of recording for Champs Hill is to be allowed to programme discs with freedom,� comments Williams. We assembled the programme as one would a recital programme, contrasting the delicate austerity of late Faure? with the rich sonority of Caplet. We hoped the resulting shape would resemble an evening�s song recital, in which the first half begins gently, grows into something more voluptuous before finishing with a riotous drinking song to lead to the interval; the second begins with a challenging contemporary piece before the reward of great fun, and the whole evening ends with hilarity, mischief and bravura. And not to forget a brief encore, a nod to the most quintessential of French early-twentieth-century composers. To create and record this programme in such charming, relaxed surroundings was a treat; we hope you will enjoy listening in the same quixotic mood.� Williams and Vignoles� prior releases for Champs Hill include Brahms� only song cycle, Die Schone Magelone (2017, CHR108). BBC Music Magazine said: Williams delivers the narration naturally, while proving once again to be a thoughtful exponent of sung text, an interpreter consistently attentive to its meaning. As an accompanist, Vignoles is every bit as engaged, his delicate and resourceful playing joining with Williams� vocalism to point up significant detail. Prior to this, Williams and Vignoles joined Joan Rodgers CBE to present Wolf's Italian songbook (2013, CHR054). In their review, Gramophone commented: Inspired by Vignoles humorous relish and luminous delivery of touch, Rodgers and Williams form a persuasive duo.