GABRIEL FAURÉ : The Complete Songs, Vol. 4 : Dans un parfum de roses (2005) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Okay, so, no, the Hyperion French Song edition's four-volume survey of the complete songs of Fauré won't replace EMI's complete edition. But then, how could it? Featuring the ethereal Elly Ameling and the heroic Gérard Souzay along with stalwart accompanist Dalton Baldwin, the set was in its time and remains for all time the gold standard of postwar Fauré singing. That said, yes, even though it won't replace the gold standard, volume four of the complete Fauré on Hyperion has many merits and deserves to be heard by anyone who loves the music. First among its merits is the rich and soulful voice of soprano Jennifer Smith in the opening Le papillion et la fleur and again in the closing La chanson d'Eve. Second are the three brief but lovely appearances by soprano Felicity Lott, especially her achingly beautiful Le parfum impérissable. Third are the sensitive and subdued accompaniments of Graham Johnson, the skillful pianist who found a steady gig recording the collected songs of just about everybody for Hyperion. Less compelling is light-voiced baritone Stephen Varcoe in Nocturne and thin-toned Jean-Paul Fouchécourt in Aubade. Although those who already have the Ameling/Souzay/Baldwin recordings might not be tempted to turn to these recordings as a first choice, they will be gratified and satisfied if and when they do hear it. Hyperion's sound is clear, close, and warm. by James Leonard