Although Canteloube’s collection of the Songs of
the Auvergne is well represented in the record catalogue (including
some versions of the complete series), this present selection by Jill
Gomez and Vernon Handley was received well from the start. Indeed, on
its re-release at mid-price some years ago, it received the famous (if
sometimes a little over-generous) rosette, the ultimate critical accolade,
from The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs. Listening to
the disc now in its new budget reincarnation on CFP (and with generous
filler), it’s difficult to disagree with the guide’s verdict. They found
that Gomez’s selection of these increasingly popular songs made for
a ‘memorably characterful record which, as well as bringing out the
sensuous beauty of Canteloube’s arrangements, keeps reminding us, in
the echoes of rustic band music, of the genuine folk base’. They concluded
that this was the ideal purchase for anyone who wants just a selection.
Gomez’s richly idiomatic approach to these delightful
songs is undoubtedly very seductive, especially when the accompaniments
by Handley and the RLPO are so warmly supportive and EMI’s digital sound
(beautifully produced by Andrew Keener) so opulent and detailed. Her
account of the most famous number, Baïlero, could be amongst
the most relaxed on record, yet she sustains its repetitions with an
intimate, gentle beauty of line, supported by particularly sensitive
wind playing that almost seems to hang in the air. The heady exoticism
of Canteloube’s orchestration is, throughout, admirably realised by
the players; the long oboe solo that starts Ound’ onoren gorda? (Where
shall we go and graze?), and which has strange echoes of the slow
movement of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, is marvellously
characterised by the RLPO principal. Some of the brighter, more obviously
folksy numbers, such as L’oio de rotso (Spring water),
may lose a little of their rustic sharpness when compared to, say, Victoria
de los Angeles’s classic account, but there is no doubting that the
overall effect of Gomez’s version is very appealing indeed.
The two Fauré items come from over a decade
earlier and are analogue, though still very vividly recorded (this time
by the estimable John Boyden). It’s doubtful whether you would purchase
the disc for these particular pieces, and there are many rival all-Fauré
discs that are very recommendable, but they make excellent and appropriate
companions to the Canteloube. Handley has always been a conductor sensitive
to colour and atmosphere, and though he tends to play both pieces ‘straight’
and in a refreshingly unindulgent manner, he teases out details and
underlines certain phrasing with skilful subtlety. The end results are
two satisfying readings that complement the main fare very nicely.
The notes are brief but intelligent, though as we have
unfortunately come to expect with budget re-issues, there are no texts
for the songs. CFP also have the wrong overall timing on the back cover
(they make it a rather more generous 77.36, ten minutes over the actual
length). Nonetheless, it’s difficult to imagine a more persuasive selection
at such a temptingly low price.
Tony Haywood
Vernon Handley