Given that 'Si mes vers avait des ailes.' and a few other songs were the extent of my knowledge of Reynaldo Hahn, what a surprise to find that he could compose music of such apparent density and visual imagery. I had no idea he wrote amazing chamber music. I listened to the whole quintet performed by Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective (the only recording I could find on Spotify) and will now listen to his other chamber works. Gladly. I've always liked French chamber music and its way of evoking a season, a mood, a landscape, an emotion. Hahn interweaves all these evocations into a lovely, intricate tapestry of sounds that suggests a far greater understanding of music's communicative power than I would have given him credit for. Thanks for this deep analysis, and guide to my second listen.
i have yet to find a recording where i feel the tempo is somehow “right” whatever that means … usually a bit too slow for my ear (and hahn does say not too slow)
Often over my head but always so engaged and engaging. You make it alive for us all.
Given that 'Si mes vers avait des ailes.' and a few other songs were the extent of my knowledge of Reynaldo Hahn, what a surprise to find that he could compose music of such apparent density and visual imagery. I had no idea he wrote amazing chamber music. I listened to the whole quintet performed by Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective (the only recording I could find on Spotify) and will now listen to his other chamber works. Gladly. I've always liked French chamber music and its way of evoking a season, a mood, a landscape, an emotion. Hahn interweaves all these evocations into a lovely, intricate tapestry of sounds that suggests a far greater understanding of music's communicative power than I would have given him credit for. Thanks for this deep analysis, and guide to my second listen.
Light from the kitchen skylight, Lake Sutherland, the Andante movement…what a summer.
This is a stunning piece, and new to me. Thanks. After a couple of more listens, I will reread your lovely column with new eyes.
i have yet to find a recording where i feel the tempo is somehow “right” whatever that means … usually a bit too slow for my ear (and hahn does say not too slow)
The one I am listening to is from 2025: https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHAN%2020326
Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective
*&#(* Albertine. Terrific.
lol