Récital

Description

Let's say it right away: one expects - to interpret these twenty-two delicate, fine pieces, inspired lightly like the "little things" from the pen of Verlaine or the brush of Watteau, set to music by Glinka, who arrived early in the Russian style that is not yet "Russian" according to the criteria of the famous "Mighty Handful" - a fine and delicate voice, which is not the case with Julia Sukmanova's: one does not enter a dream, an address to the lark or to her lyre, an exhortation to Daphnis to love, the fragile moment of the first glance, with a voice that would belong to Lady Macbeth before killing King Duncan or Carmen mocking Don José before daring him to strike. Unfortunately, this is the case with this voice lacking charm or modulation, stiff, harsh, which assaults from the very first note and later delivers equally threatening high notes, particularly noticeable in No. 12, "Sérénade," shouted rather than sung. Accompanying her is the piano of Elena Sukmanova, more nuanced and bringing the desired softness. It's a pity that this ample and powerful voice, reminiscent of Mara Zampieri, with impressive lows, has, regrettably, chosen the wrong repertoire. (Danielle Porte)