Melodies d'ailleurs

"Mélodies d'ailleurs" is the first joint album of Swiss soprano Viviane Hasler and her longtime friend and musical partner Maren Gamper. For this album, the two artists selected French songs from the early 19th century, known in France and beyond as the "Fin de Siécle". Works by Claude Debussy, Ernest Chausson, Cécile Chaminade and Reynaldo Hahn are contrasted with three songs by contemporary German composer Wolfgang Rihm, resulting in a concept album that is much more than merely a selection of Romantic piano songs. Viviane Hasler's interpretation is fresh and tangible, without exaggerating or romanticizing, and remains faithful and honest to the emotions of the original compositions. Pianist Maren Gamper, always seeking the perfect moment between the notes, creates an intimate yet deeply supportive sonic world for the voice. Recorded in the grand hall of the Orchesterhaus in Kriens, Switzerland, this album attempts to open a small window in time, by delving into memories of a bygone era and connecting them with the living present.