Music Reviews

‘Paysage’ from Véronique Gens is Simply and Gently Moving


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 Herve Niquet conducting the Munchner Rundfunorchester.

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!

Written by

Bill Dodd

Bill is Senior Music Reviewer at NativeDSD. He lives in the Portland, Oregon area. He is an avid photographer too! Along with his early interest in broadcasting and high fidelity audio, he was exposed to classical music in small doses from age 5, was given piano lessons from age 9— Starting with Bach and including Gershwin. Successful morning personality in San Francisco at age 22. (true). Sang in choirs in high school and college. Although the broadcasting experience was all in popular music, his personal listening has been mostly classical his whole life—along with others including Benny Goodman, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Joni Mitchell, The Who, and Led Zeppelin.

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