Various Artists - 3 Centuries of Female - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Arnaud Marzorati and his Lunaisiens are indefatigable explorers of the French chanson in all it's guises, all it's periods, and in all it's very different styles. With Sainte-Hélène, Les Lunaisiens turn a new page of History in chansons. On 5 May 1821, Napoleon Bonaparte passed away. It was the end of the extraordinary epic of a little corporal who became emperor of the French. Idolised, detested, no matter he was omnipresent, and particularly in the world of the chanson. It is his history that Arnaud Marzorati is singing in this album. Backed by a trio of leading singers, Les Lunaisiens are accompanied this time by Les Cuivres Romantiques; these latter enable us to listen to the original pieces as played by the wind band of the Garde Consulaire, later Impériale. The world of Napoleonic music, however, is not just illustrated on the battle front and this album casts light onto other sectors of the music in the time of the Emperor. First of all, the street, where the popular singer would assail the crowds, be they veterans or conspirators. Secondly, there is the salon with the romance as performed here by Sabine Devieilhe, witness to an art of elegance and refinement 'à la française' that played a leading role in the sacralisation of the figure of the Emperor. With this vivid, varied album, with a surprising range of sounds, Arnaud Marzorati and Les Lunaisiens offer us a masterful sound track of the life of Napoleon.

Julian Lloyd Webber, one of the world's most admired cellists, notably expanded his instrument's repertoire in the concert hall and in the recording studio. In this retrospective of his art, he can be heard as soloist, arranger, and as conductor. He evokes the lyricism of the songs of Frederick Delius and John Ireland with rich expressivity, adapts a selection of music from Monteverdi to Arvo Part for the combination of two cellos, and crafts new and exciting Vivaldi arrangements. His conducting prowess is shown by supremely sensitive performances of English string music. These are the last recordings that Lloyd Webber made before announcing his retirement from playing. InchJulian Lloyd Webber emerges as a conductor of some distinction.Inch (Mail on Sunday) InchArrangements with a good deal of zing, zip, and zest.Inch (Fanfare)

Castrati were the first InchstarsInch in the history of music. They often held the title role (and in Rome all the female roles in the operas), creating on the stage a real competition of virtuosity and emotion between the singers, with the audience as the referee with it's demands for an encore. What if three of the best singers of our time were also part of this Competition of Virtuosity? Here come Valer Sabadus (Arad, 1986), Filippo Mineccia (Florence, 1981), Samuel Mariño (Caracas, 1993). Virtuoso arias, love duets and combative trios made the castrati triumph. Up to each and everyone to decide who is their winner!