I was just listening to Gabriel Fauré’s Pelleas et Melisande, Opus 80. I do love that music. But what I especially love is the Chanson de Mélisande. Sigh. So lovely. The CD* I have includes Lorraine Hunt Lieberson (then billed as Lorraine Hunt). That voice. It’s so moving (that’s a rather lame word for a wondrous voice, really) and I do grieve to think she’s no longer here.

I have a suspicion we won’t be doing the version with the Chanson. Such a shame; it really is my favorite part of the work. It’s why I purchased this CD in fact; most don’t include it. Of course the rest is lovely as well. But that song … if you haven’t heard it, please do check it out sometime.

O no hope now forever—
Our lamps are gone out.

*My CD is Seiji Ozawa and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, on Deutsche Grammophon. Also included on this recording are Dolly (orchestral version), Après un Rêve (with Jules Eskin on cello), Pavane (with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus), and Elégie (with Jules Eskin on cello).
—–