Medium Voice in G with Piano-Cesar Franck's Panis Angelicus - O Lord Most Holy has long been popular amongst vocalists. This arrangement is for Medium Voice the range being small - from the G above middle C to the E above it - and the piece is in G Major.

Born into a family that had lived in Florence since the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895-1968) entertained only a distant relationship with the music he heard at synagogue. It was only when he discovered Schelemo a rhapsody for cello and orchestra written in 1916 by Ernest Bloch that he began to understand what “Jewish music” could be. In the mid-1920s the young composer found a collection of prayers set to music among his maternal grandfather’s papers. Something clicked and from then on Jewish tradition would become a source of inspiration for Castelnuovo-Tedesco. In 1928 two years after publishing theDances of King David he wrote this Vocalise-Étude for medium voice and piano at the request of vocal teacher Amédée-Landély Hettich who wanted to include it in the Répertoire moderne de Vocalises-Études published by Leduc. The piece became so popular that several instrumental adaptations were soon created published under the title Chant hébraïque (for violin and piano: AL17 713; for cello and piano: AL 17196). Divided into three sections this wordless melody opens with a “sad and impassioned” chant that appears to grieve the tragic fate of the Jewish people. A folk dance follows in which a “lively and stubborn” movement has great panache. The third section returns to the initial poignant theme before briefly reiterating the dance motif allowing the piece to conclude on a hopeful note. The composer himself would adopt this proactive stance refusing to yield to resignation when fleeing Mussolini’s anti-Semitic laws he decided to emigrate in 1939 to the United States a land of refuge to which he would remain faithful until his death some thirty years later.

Being such a prolific composer particularly for Vocal and Piano works Gabriel Fauré's music is always addressed with high expectations. His Le Chanson D'Éve for Voice and Piano accompaniment is no exception. Fauré (1845-1924) began receiving high quality musical instruction from age 10 at the Niedermeyer School. He eventually became a piano pupil of Camille Saint-Saëns. Fauré's career saw him succeed Théodore Dubois as organist at the Church of Madeleine in Paris and become professor of composition at the Paris Conservatoire all the while composing sublime works. His song cycle Le ChansonD'Éve was composed between 1906 - 1910. As Fauré's longest song cycle Le Chanson D'Éve is made up of ten melodies based on poetry by Charles Van Lerberghe. With Fauré's music remaining hugely popular to this day Le Chanson D'Éve is a favourite for the vocal repertoire.

Bergerettes also known as Shepherdess' Airs were an form of early rustic French song. French composer Jean Baptiste Weckerlin's (1821-1910) arrangements of these popular songs for Voice and Piano are a sublime addition to the repertoire. The Bergerette is traditionally in strophic form. Weckerlin's 20 harmonisations of some of the most favourite French Bergerette provides truly sublime additions to the vocal repertoire. For all aspiring vocalists Weckerlin's arrangements of traditional Bergerettes cannot be missed.

The corresponding CD to 26 Italian Songs And Arias (FMS3397) which features a collection of the most popular Arias sung and loved by the greatest singers. Set in fresh updated versions this edition draws on original manuscripts and first editions to meet a high standard of accuracy and authenticity. This CD features backings and accompaniments to all 26 songs expertly played by Joan Thompson.

Par WECKERLIN JEAN-BAPTISTE. Bergerettes, also known as Shepherdess' Airs, were an form of early rustic French song. French composer, Jean Baptiste Weckerlin 's (1821-1910) arrangements of these popular songs for Voice and Piano are a sublime addition to the repertoire. The Bergerette is traditionally in strophic form. Weckerlin 's 20 harmonisations of some of the most favourite French Bergerette provides truly sublime additions to the vocal repertoire. For all aspiring vocalists, Weckerlin 's arrangements of traditional Bergerettes cannot be missed./ Répertoire / Voix Moyenne et Piano

Manuel de Falla's music perfectly reflects the full-blooded passion and intellectual aspirations of early 20th century Spanish culture. His personal life seemed to echo the spirit of his times and the broad range of his music.From his sensual treatment of Andalusian folk themes to the neoclassical compositions of his later years de Falla always brought a fierce level of intensity to everything he undertook. *Only available to the territories of Australia Canada Japan Central & South America and the USA.