Claude Debussy - Mélodies (Janine Micheau; Aldo Ciccolini)

Information

Composer: Claude Debussy

1. Pantomime, CD 47, L. 31
2. Clair de lune, CD 45, L. 32
3. Pierrot, CD 30, L. 15
4. Apparition, CD 57, L. 53
5. Mandoline, CD 43, L. 29
6. Zéphir, CD 19, L. 12
7. 3 Mélodies de Verlaine, CD 85, L. 81: No. 3, L'échelonnement des haies
8. 2 Romances, CD 79: No. 2, Les cloches, L. 66
9. 2 Romances, CD 79: No. 1, L'âme évaporée et souffrante, L. 65
10. Paysage sentimental, CD 55, L. 45
11. Noël des enfants qui n'ont plus de maison, CD 147, L. 139
12. Ariettes oubliées, CD 63b, L. 60: No. 1, C'est l'extase langoureuse (Second Version)
13. Ariettes oubliées, CD 63b, L. 60: No. 2, Il pleure dans mon cœur (Second Version)
14. Ariettes oubliées, CD 63b, L. 60: No. 3, L'ombre des arbres (Second Version)
15. Ariettes oubliées, CD 63b, L. 60: No. 5, Aquarelles I. Green (Second Version)
16. Ariettes oubliées, CD 63b, L. 60: No. 6, Aquarelles II. Spleen (Second Version)
17. 5 Poèmes de Baudelaire, CD 70, L. 64: No. 3, Le jet d'eau
18. Rondeau, CD 17, L. 30

Janine Micheau, soprano

Aldo Ciccolini, piano

Date: 1958 / 2026

Label: Warner Classics

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Marking the 50th anniversary of her passing on October 18th, light coloratura soprano Janine Micheau remains a cornerstone of post-war French vocal art. Celebrated for her supreme agility, immaculate prosody, and distinctively focused timbre, she established herself as a preeminent operatic figure of her generation. Beyond her acclaimed stage career, Micheau significantly shaped the vocal tradition as a mentor to prominent artists, including fellow Toulouse-born soprano Mady Mesplé. Furthermore, her crystal-clear diction made her a premier interpreter of French mélodie, demonstrated in exceptional collaborations with renowned Debussy specialist and pianist Aldo Ciccolini that showcase the enduring elegance of French classical performance.

Renowned French soprano Janine Micheau (1914–1976) enjoyed a distinguished international career spanning over three decades. After studying at the Toulouse and Paris Conservatoires, she made her 1933 debut at the Paris Opéra-Comique, eventually tackling lead roles in Lakmé, Pelléas et Mélisande, and Carmen. Her versatility brought performance opportunities across major world stages, including Covent Garden, San Francisco, La Scala, and the Paris Opera, where she created roles in modern works by Milhaud and Stravinsky. Acclaimed for her pure timbre, wide range, and refined vocal technique, Micheau later taught at the Paris Conservatoire before making her final stage appearance in 1968.