Les Nuits D'ete/5 Greek Songs/Trois Melodies (Daniels)

Listening to this recital is an extraordinary experience. Not only is the music refreshingly rethought for countertenor and incredibly well sung by the amazing David Daniels, the overall recording is so well thought out that it surely will become a Grammy contender. But all that hoopla aside, what is contained on this single CD is Daniels' sensitive, sensual, and elegantly sung 'Les Nuits d'ete' of Berlioz, 'Cinq Melodies populaires grecques' by Ravel and Faure's 'Trois Melodies'. It is difficult to vote for the most successful of the three cycles; each has its own beauties and golden moments. Daniels' voice is so inherently Gallic in sound here that you almost forget that his forte is Handel and the bel canto repertoire! There is no hint of strain over the vast vocal range and the words are obviously important to the singer. Though Daniels is usually hailed as a 'divo', here he reassures us that his sense of programming is of the highest order. In collaboration with conductor John Nelson and the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris the song cycles are separated by instrumental pieces of the highest quality: Berlioz songs are allowed to breathe during the interval with the Pantomime from Act II of 'Les Troyens', Ravel's songs float away to the strains of his 'Pavane pour une Infante defunte', and the Faure melodies linger though his achingly beautiful 'Elegy for Cello and Orchestra". This recital is sensitive, winsome, elegant, smart, and incredibly beautiful. This is one of those CDs to take on that infamous desert island...... Scores it a 10 star rating.

The three song cycles on "Berlioz: Les Nuits d'Ete" represent yet another dramatic departure for countertenor David Daniels, as he continues to break new ground with his incredibly rich and flexible voice. He already took a wildly imaginative leap with last year's "A Quiet Thing" (also strongly recommended), but this time, he takes a different direction with a seamless program of mid-to-late 19th century French art songs from Berlioz and Faure and early 20th century Greek folk songs from Ravel.

One could start to take for granted Daniels' immense skill and vocal dexterity if he were to stay within the strict realm of Handel arias and Baroque cantatas...and some of his more myopic, bluenose critics would prefer that. However, he continues to expand the countertenor repertoire in an exciting way without losing his artistic integrity, no small accomplishment considering how he is the one who brought his particular voice type to a whole new audience. Yet one never gets the sense that he is showboating for the masses, rather Daniels stays true to where he sees his own potential for growth as a performer. Adding to that evolution, his voice on this CD has taken on a burnished tonal quality that is less preternaturally gymnastic and more nuanced than his earlier CDs. Evidence of this wondrous evolution can be found on his takes of Berlioz's "La spectre de la rose" and Faure's "En sourdine". By the way, the French pouring out of this South Carolina-born and -bred singer is impeccable.

What is particularly nice about this disc is that it feels like an actual recital complete with long instrumental interludes from conductor John Nelson and the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, who provide smooth, melodious transitions between the disparate cycles. Ravel's "Pavane pour une infante defunte" is particularly beautiful. The cumulative effect is dreamlike, haunting and extremely heartfelt. It is hard to imagine that a more beautifully crafted CD could be released this year.

DD is obviously an amazing singer! You cant really put him next to any other countertenor that ever sang or will ever sing probibly! His tone is sublime and he has an amazing technique. I dont think Mr. Scholl can ever be able to attempt to sing this music! Les Nuits D'ete sounds fantastic, but my favorite is the 5 Greek songs by Ravel. This disc deserves to be No.1 on the classical chart and should win some kind of an award!