One Hit Wonder

As with pop music, there are some classical composers who have been fated to be remembered by just one notable work. A case in point is Canteloube and Songs of the Auvergne. This particular recording features a selection of 17 songs from the various books he composed of settings of folk songs from the Auvergne region of France, an area of the country that remains off the beaten track even today. The performers are soprano Jill Gomez and the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vernon Handley. Often looked upon as an English music specialist, Handley and the LPO seem equally at home with the more dreamy Gallic arrangements of Canteloube and Jill Gomez acts the songs delightfully. This reissue cd also has a filler of four short orchestral pieces by Faure, including the lovely Pavane Op 50 and more lightweight Masques et Bergamasques.