Date sent: Thu, 13 Jan 2000 17:34:02 EST
Subject: Re: Les nuits d'ete
To: vocalist
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

In a message dated 01/13/2000 4:04:14 PM Central Standard Time,
kandahar-at-ican.net writes:

<< I was wondering whether someone could tell me what the original keys are
for the songs in the Berlioz cycle "Les nuits d'ete". I've been told that
some of the ones in my alto copy are original, as are some in my soprano, but
I can't determine which. >>

This is from Pierre Bernac's The Interpretation of French Song:

Absence F# (often sung in F) [one step higher]
Villanelle A [3rd higher than the low key]
La spectre de la rose D [3rd higher the low key]
Sur les lagunes F minor [same as the low key]

He does not discuss the other 2. I used to have notes about this but I don't
know where they are ...

I also have 2 recordings, one with Janet Baker and a newer one with Susan
Graham. If I have time (don't hold your breath), I will give a listen and
see what keys they use.

Chris Thomas
Mezzo-Soprano
Wauwatosa, WI

"I love to sing-a, about the moon-a and the June-a and the spring-a"