‘Paysage’ from Véronique Gens is Simply and Gently Moving

Welcome to ‘Dodd’s DSD Discoveries’, a review series from NativeDSD Senior Music Reviewer Bill Dodd. This series focuses on Bill’s latest selections, with new reviews regularly.

When I went to check the mailbox today I was greeted by a cloudless sky. The temperature was perfect. Our large bay tree is perfuming the entire yard. And just when I thought things couldn’t be better, a hummingbird came by to check out the honeysuckles! Was I dreaming? It truly was an amazing moment.

Believe it or not, I had a very similar feeling when I first listened to this beautiful album of French Orchestral melodies by soprano Veronique Gens, and Hervé Niquet conducting the Munchner Rundfunkorchester.

Although Gens and Niquet became well known for Baroque music, they seem perfect for these melodies. Gens’ voice and execution are flawless. Everything and everybody is working as a single instrument to create something that is simply, and gently moving. There are so many feelings in this music, but absolutely no bombast! Even if you’re not a fan of vocal recitals I think you may love this set!

As John France writes in his MusicWeb International review, “This is a disc to explore slowly. You will be moved by many of these ‘lost’ treasures from French musical history. Véronique Gens and Hervé Niquet are tremendous ambassadors for this repertoire.” Well said, John!