Poulenc: Chanson d'Orkenise

“Seven songs by Poulenc, in pungent and marvellously characterised performances, form the highlight of this 1967 recital of Crespin in her prime. Her Wolf and Schumann are also irresistable.” BBC Music Magazine, June 2012 ****

“It is difficult, indeed I find it impossible, to think of any soprano capable of singing Brünnhilde, as Régine Crespin has done, who is also capable of making a success of such a varied programme as this recital offers, but this she most certainly has achieved from start to finish. […] She has in John Wustman a pianist truly worthy of her, sensitive to every mood and nuance. […] I can give no higher praise to Crespin's singing of Debussy's Chansons de Bililis than to say it does not suffer from comparison with Maggie Teyte's. […]The balance between voice and piano is very good, and so here is everything for our delight. This is, indeed, one of the finest song recitals of recent times and I most warmly and enthusiastically recommend it” Gramophone Magazine

“Sumptuous of tone, supremely sensitive, Crespin was born to illuminate the art of French song. Whether floating the seductive allure of Ravel or revelling in the wit of Poulenc these recordings were and remain classics.” BBC Music Magazine, November 2006 *****

“Ravel's magically sensuous writing finds the ideal interpreter in Regine Crespin...The sheer richness of tone of the singer's tone does not prevent her from bringing out the delicate languor required by an exquisite song like The enchanted flute...This is ravishing...This CD is one of the great glories of recorded music.” Penguin Guide, 2011 edition

Ravishing singing and sultry colours make this coupling irresistable: you may favour Janet Baker's very different approach but I've adored this recording for 30 years - James Jolly, Gramophone 1000th issue

“With recent recordings by Bernarda Fink, Susan Graham, Felicity Lott, there has been no shortage of Shéhérazades for our 21st century. But back in 1963 Régine Crespine recorded a performance that recreated Ravel's score in unsurpassed truthfulness of letter and spirit.” BBC Music Magazine, November 2007

“Scandalously available only as a download in many countries, Crespin's Nuits dété has always been the interpretation by which others have been assessed and, listening to it again, there's no reason to challenge the verdict.
Sultry, langourous yet sung with a richness of tone, this is a classic version this ravishing work. Ansermet accompanies exquisitely.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010