Claire Croiza: Champion of the Modern French Mélodie
The Complete Recordings [Marston 52018-2, 2 CD]

(see http://www.marstonrecords.com/croiza/croiza_tracks.htm for complete track listing information and liner notes)

After 15 years in opera, Claire Croiza (1882-1948) devoted herself to the French art song. With refinement and simplicity, Croiza displays a very direct way of expressing music and text. Her warm, amber mezzo has an alluring quality that draws one into a unique musical world.

With such a bounty of musical riches, it’s difficult to pick out favorites. But Poulenc’s “Le bestiare”, Duparc’s ‘Lamento” and Honegger’s “Automne” and “Chansons de la petite sirene” particularly linger in one’s memory.

Although Croiza’s diction is perfect, the lack of texts/translations here is regrettable. However, translations have been provided for the spoken recitations in “Le Mystere des Saints Innocents”, “Le Porche du Mystere de la Deuxieme Vertue”, “Esther” and “Athalie.” The late Victor Girard (also a producer on this release) has provided an excellent summary of the singer’s career. The superb audio conservation is by Ward Marston. This is a splendid tribute to one of the great interpreters of French Art song.


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