Massenet: Songs with Orchestra

Since 2009, the Palazetto Bru Zane organization has punched above its weight in dusting off neglected romantic French music, presenting concerts and making recordings for its own label and others. Their own productions are always high quality with classy artwork and hefty booklets. This release collects 25 short songs by Jules Massenet, one of several composers who wrote similar settings in the vein of Berlioz’s Les nuits d’été. The string orchestra is complemented by harp or piano, maybe a wind instrument or three, and sometimes percussion. With a limited palette, Massenet still wrote cleverly, and the smaller forces let the singers do their thing without pushing. It’s an aural treat to hear this talented, varied cast of young vocalists just sing, without the distractions of acting, without fussing over virtuosity. The mood of the whole album is utterly relaxing. The lyrics are fragrant with love, nature, religious devotion, and sentiment. I particularly like the melancholy opening of “Autumn Thoughts,” the pizzicato accompaniment of “To Columbine,” the cheerful faux-Baroque counterpoint in “Marquise,” and the effervescent bounce of “Musette’s Song.” A few well-chosen instrumental numbers provide a diversion now and then. Nice clear sound, too. French and English texts.