Felicien David: Melodies

This world premiere recording presents eighteen art songs (melodies) by French composer Felicien David (1810-1876). Published in the 1830s, David's melodies were written in response to the keen interest shown at that time in simple pieces for voice and piano, intended for performance in the homes of the aristocracy and the middle classes. He was often referred to as 'the French Schubert,' and indeed the influence of the Viennese composer can be felt in some of his pieces. On this disc from Aparte, baritone Tassis Christoyannis and pianist Thanassis Apostolopoulos contribute to the rediscovery of one of the major composers of the nineteenth century.