La naissance de Venus, the ‘scene mythologique’ that gives this CD its title, was composed by Faure for an amateur choral society, and dedicated to its conductor, Antonin Guillot de Sainbris. The piece is in one movement lasting nearly 23 minutes, including parts for soprano, alto, tenor and bass soloists. The opening immediately reminds one of Faure’s piano writing at its finest, a beautiful slow melody that acts as a prelude to the first choral section. In this the scene is set with a glowing dawn which seems to onlookers to herald some divine occurrence. Another piano interlude, in a barcarolle rhythm, precedes the appearance of Venus from the waves. The bass announces that Jupiter himself is there to greet his daughter.
It’s a surprise to find Jupiter cast as a tenor – perhaps the original group dictated who should be assigned which role. Jupiter’s catalogue of all the delights Venus will bestow on the world forms the centre of the cantata. The choir re-enter to cry ‘Salut a toi’ – they are on ‘tu-toi’ terms with the goddess immediately. She answers with a soaring phrase over the chorus, assuring them that ‘the sad life of the most humble being can become the most enviable’.
This is a real discovery and Bernard Tetu and his chorus with Jean-Claude Pennetier at the piano give a reading which suggests all the lost charm of private small-scale choral singing that belongs to the world of the late nineteenth-century Paris salons. Bruno Ranc, who is Jupiter, also sings four of Faure’s best-known melodies in the ensuing recital. There are many more sophisticated performances on disc of Apres un reve and Au cimetiere but there is a freshness and simplicity about this whole CD, juxtaposing choral items (including Les Djinns, a Victor Hugo poem evoking a nightmare of howling and wailing) with duets and solo numbers.
Devotees of French literature will be pleased to find the names of Robert de Montesquiou, Jean Richepin and Sully Prudhomme among the poets whom Faure set. La naissance de Venus, which has never before been recorded, is a must for Faure collectors, and others will find this a charming, gentle and haunting disc.'