Gossamer orchestration, with rosy vibrating harp and six excellent singers ★★★☆☆

At the music center Palazzetto Bru Zane they love nothing more than to breathe new life into forgotten French repertoire. On this album they take French melodies (songs) with orchestral accompaniment by the opera composer Jules Massenet in progress. He wrote hundreds melodies for voice and piano and provided a few dozen with a gossamer orchestration, often with a pink, vibrating harp in the leading role. Most of the songs are record premieres and they really hit it off with these six outstanding singers.

Véronique Gens phrases beautifully and Jodie Devos’ voice is silvery and pure. Nothing but praise for the excellent accompaniment by the Orchester de chambre de Paris, conducted by Hervé Niquet. But while every song is at least charming or entertaining, not all of them match the level of impassioned prayer Souvenez-vous, Vierge Marie! or the striking vulnerability of crepuscule. Don’t give numbers, just enjoy the wonderfully sung minuets, serenades, folk tunes and perfumed declarations of love.