Since his debut recording on Linn Records of
Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique in 2012, and his subsequent releases of Les nuits d'été, La mort de Cléopâtre, L'enfance du Christ, and Roméo et Juliette,
Robin Ticciati has demonstrated a strong affinity for the refined sonorities of French music, and his attention to vibrant orchestral colors and transparent textures is especially well-suited to accompanying the human voice. His 2017 album of works by
Debussy and
Fauré with mezzo-soprano
Magdalena Kozena and the
Deutsche Symphonie-Orchester Berlin reflected his strengths and sensitivity, so this 2018 release with the same artists, featuring works by
Maurice Ravel and
Henri Duparc, effectively recommends itself to knowledgeable listeners.
Ticciati's handling of the orchestra in the Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloé and the Valses nobles et sentimentales is consistently controlled and admirable for its effortlessness, and one is hard pressed to think of many French conductors who can match him for refinement and balanced sound. But the real gems of this album are the mélodies by
Duparc, which
Kozena sings with passion, warmth, and luscious tone, giving them the feelings of nostalgia and longing that have made them
Duparc's most beloved works. Linn's sound is clear and detail-oriented, and
Kozena's central placement in the sound field gives her an intimate presence. Highly recommended.