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Title: Superb rendition of neglected French Songs
Review: This disk contains some exquisite art songs by Massenet and Gounod, many of which I have never seen in other French art song collections. They are interspersed with the songs of two 20th century composers, Louis Beydts and Maurice Delage. Beydts's music is quite lyrical and tonal, reminiscent of the later songs of Reynaldo Hahn - the real jewel is his "L'Oiseau Bleu" (also the title of the CD). Delage's is slightly more modernistic - I think his subtle French wit is lost a bit on me. The high point of this disk is Zimmer's performance of the Massenet songs. It is no wonder the most singers have ignored these songs, the lyrical melodic lines that soar thru the upper register must be quite a feat, and Zimmer makes them sound effortless. She sings Massenet with the same technical brilliance as Beverly Sills and with incredible clarity of tone and warmth.
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