Saint-Saëns: Le Déluge

 

I have already discussed Saint-Saëns' Noah's Ark oratorio, Le Déluge, once before (BLOG). I found that initial recording somewhat subpar, so I set out to find a better recording, where I wrote up a brief comparison of performances readily available (BLOG). I casually declared this French recording under the direction of Jacques Mercier the best choice of three. While initially released on the French label ADDA, this one can also be found on an RCA reissue, pictured at the bottom of this post.

The performing standards are simply much higher than in Ars Produktion's SACD recording of Le Déluge. Having French soprano Françoise Pollet leading a strong quartet is a boon here, focused purely in Pollet's angel benediction in the final movement. I am less certain regarding the tenor Daniel Galvez-Vallejo, whose baritonal, Jim Henson timbre with a heroic top range is a curious one to my ears. I do enjoy the sharp, bright sound from mezzo-soprano Lucile Vignon in the contralto role, and baritone Philippe Rouillon rounds out the quartet nicely.

As in this same team's performance of Saint-Saëns' even lesser known cantata La Lyre et la Harpe (BLOG), also on ADDA and reissued on RCA, the chorus is strong, yet the tone from the female sopranos and altos are breathier or lighter, I think. Occasionally, this tone quality affects the ensemble tuning, but nothing particularly egregious in any one place.  The orchestra, on the other hand, is lovely throughout, captured well in the church acoustic. Sonically, the soloists are quite forward, whereas the chorus is behind the orchestra, pretty typical for a large-scale piece such as this.

In addition to Le Déluge, two 11-minute orchestral songs are added to the program, both written for solo soprano. La Fiancée du Timbalier is sung by Françoise Pollet. Unusually, the song is set in a rather medium to low range for a soprano, where I enjoy Pollet's direct-sounding lower register. Nathalie Dessay in La Nuit is more youthful sounding. If I am reminded of Snow White when Dessay sings amongst the nightingales, I am sure it is merely the combination of orchestral birds, female chorus, and soprano voice.

I will say, upon re-listening to Le Déluge, I appreciated its themes much more, ones which Saint-Saëns spreads throughout the work. This may not be the French composer's best work, yet I am increasingly finding it rather charming. I am glad to have found this recording.

 

 

 

Work Series
Vol. 2 from Cantatas and Oratorios on RCA



Works
Le Déluge, op. 45 (43.30)
La Fiancée du Timbalier , op. 82 (11.08)
La Nuit, op. 114 (11.27)

Soloists
Françoise Pollet, soprano (op. 45 & 82)
Nathalie Dessay, soprano (op. 114)
Lucile Vignon, mezzo-soprano
Daniel Galvez-Vallejo, tenor
Philippe Rouillon, baritone

Ensembles
Choeur Régional Vittoria d'Île-de-France
Orchestre National d'Île-de-France
Jacques Mercier, conductor

Label: Adès; RCA
Year: 1991; 1997
Total Timing: 66.31

 

 

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