Élégie: Anita Rachvelishvili on ravishing form on Sony
Anita Rachvelishvili, © Irma Sharikadze
"The centrepoint of the album is music by a Georgian composer; Rachvelishvili had dome something similar on her previous, debut, album on Sony (Amazon link below) in which she had introduced music by another internationally neglected composer from that territory. Here, it is Otar Taktakishvili (1924-89), heard in The Sun of October (also translated as Sun of Haying Month), a poignant setting of the distinguished Georgian poet Galaktion Tabidze. I particularly like the way the piano presents a relentless repetition of a rhythm (often on one note: reminiscent, perhaps, of Chopin's so-called "Raindrop" Prélude from the Op. 28 set). "I grew up reading Tabide," the Georgian mezzo has been quoted as saying. And although there are recordings of the great Irina Arkhipova singing this repertoire, she did so in Russian; Rachvelishvili sings in Georgian.
The songs of Francesco Paolo Tosti (1846-1916) represent another world, not just geographically and musically but also historically - they had maximum popularity in the era of Caruso. How lovely to hear a selection of three here, and how touching is Rachvelishvili's performance of "Non t'amo più".
... and just as the shift to Italy was clear as a bell when one listens through the album, so is that to France and the heady, intoxicating music of Henri Duparc (1848-1933). Listen to the wonderfully warm-toned piano of Chanson triste, over which Rachvelishvili weaves a glorious melody.
Finally, to Spain and no missing the hispanic accent of Manuel de Falla's seven Canciones españolas. Perhaps most touching here is the sadness of "Asturiana".
During Covid-19, Anita Rachvelishvili remained in demand, whether appearing in the Metropolitan Opera's online At Home Gala or live with Greek National Opera in Athens. But in a year dominated by isolation, this album shows that there is beauty in musical introspection.
It is perhaps Rachvelishvili's ability to move from one language to another, from one mode of expression to another with chameleon expertise that is so impressive. Her voice is a thing of rare beauty and this, in tandem with not only an equally rare intelligence and a pianist of the first rank, make this a very special release indeed."
Source Classical Explorer
Author Colin Clarke
You can order/listen to the album here:
https://anitarachvelishvili.lnk.to/Elegie
Vincenzo Scalera / Sony Classical / Lenø Records