Radio Romantica

An hour of French songwriting in Radio Romantica. And of course Hector Berlioz’s magnificent cycle Les Nuits d’Été should not be missed. This early work by the great Romantic is a milestone for French song in the 19th century. The composer’s brilliant orchestration of his piano setting in particular has ensured that this cycle has never disappeared from the concert programme. The Finnish soprano Soile Isokoski shines in a performance with the Helsinki Philharmonic conducted by the resident conductor John Storgårds, also a Finn.

With English soprano Carolyn Sampson, we arrive in a more intimate French atmosphere. She sings La Bonne Chanson by Gabriel Fauré. This thoroughly French cycle on texts by Verlaine transports us to another summer evening on a small stage in Paris or Bordeaux.

Finally, enjoy two songs by the lesser-known Charles Bordes and Fauré, also performed by the young English duo Carolyn Sampson/Joseph Middleton.

Playlist

1. Hector Berlioz – Les Nuits d’Été. Op.7
   Soile Isokoski, soprano / Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by John Storgårds
2. Gabriel Fauré – La Bonne Chanson
   Carolyn Sampson, soprano / Joseph Middleton, piano
3. Charles Bordes – Colloque Sentimentale
   Carolyn Sampson, soprano / Joseph Middleton, piano
4. Gabriel Fauré – Clair de Lune
   Carolyn Sampson, soprano / Joseph Middleton, piano