l'Etoile - French Songs

Atlanta-born soprano Jennifer Larmore was made a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture in February 2002, no mean feat for a singer who made her debut only 16 years earlier in the city of Nice. Her passion for nineteenth century French opera is essayed in the Teldec release l'etoile, a selection of 11 full-length arias from French composers ranging from Daniel Auber to Maurice Ravel. For once, listeners are treated to a collection of opera arias that is not a mere gathering of "hits," but instead illuminates a worthy and under-explored part of the repertoire through well-chosen pieces. Larmore is clearly at home in the French language and in this music; the Radio Symphonieorchester Wien is led by Bertrand de Billy with sympathy and care not to invade territory needed by the "star." As an operatic recital, l'etoile is enjoyable in every way. A standout track is the Auber aria from the opera Zerline, which needs to be heard to be believed as it is an extremely difficult piece written for the nineteenth century diva Marietta Albeni. Larmore handles this florid, complicated aria with dignity, creativity, and considerable savoir faire.