The ever-so-sweet Rosemary Standley I discovered a few years ago through recordings with a pronounced crossover character. Her interpretation of Purcell's O Solitude in the project Birds on a Wire made a great impression with its exceptional expressivity. This cd is therefore a welcome addition to the still somewhat limited discography of a singer with a truly unique and comforting voice.
Les Musiciens de Saint-Julien and their inspiration François Lazarevitch are known for their original combination of Baroque music and living folk music traditions. With historical instruments and great attention to authenticity, color and honesty, they bring both well-known and lesser-known repertoire gems to life.
The collaboration between Rosemary Standley and François Lazarevitch may not be surprising, but it is entirely credible. Standley has repeatedly proven that she can effortlessly combine folk, chanson and classical music, while the repertoire of English, Scottish and Irish ballads fits perfectly with the historical instruments of Les Musiciens de Saint-Julien.
On this cd too, everything falls beautifully into place. The twenty tracks flow along seemingly peacefully. One could conveniently call it "easy listening," but that would do this recording an injustice. Those who take the time to listen to the cd in digestible chunks will discover a wealth of refined arrangements, subtle vocal combinations and inventive instrumental dialogues. The recording is so rich in detail that those who listen to it merely as background music will miss much that is beautiful.
Singing and instruments continually move between intimacy and fire. Ballads, love songs, nostalgia, melancholy and joie de vivre pass in review and together form a colorful palette that effortlessly transports the listener to Scotland and Ireland.
Folk within a historically informed framework is no longer a surprising concept today. Many ensembles walk that path and on concert stages we also find plenty of examples. Yet the quality of these performers is clearly at a higher level. The musicality, stylistic insight and refinement with which this repertoire is approached make an impression.
The recording quality also deserves praise. The sound is clear, transparent and sparkling, with ample space for both voices and instruments. The accompanying booklet is moreover exceptionally well-produced and transcends the merely informative. It has an almost artistic quality. Clearly much attention and love have been invested here.
I can therefore unreservedly recommend this cd to a wide audience. First and foremost, of course, to fans of Rosemary Standley and Les Musiciens de Saint-Julien. For them this is essential listening. Folk enthusiasts will undoubtedly also be charmed by the beautiful singing and intelligent arrangements. For lovers of early music, this is also a recommendation. Lazarevitch's arrangements and those of his colleagues are inventive, refined and well worth listening to attentively.
Yet it is above all the cd as a whole that convinces. This is a recording that belongs in every music library. You can listen to it at any time. If you feel nostalgic, Standley's voice offers comfort. When the sun shines, put on The Tailor and the Mouse. Need a sing-along, then The Last Rose of Summer awaits. The greatest merit of this release: top musical quality and warm humanity.
