This collection of 17 lullabies constitutes a particularly charming selection of songs for children, songs about children and indeed songs to send them to sleep. Alongside old favourites such as Wiegenlieder by Schubert, Brahms and Reger, Letizia Calandra has programmed much less frequently encountered examples of the genre. The album opens with two lullabies by Vincenzo Davico (1889-1969), a one-time student of Reger who wrote in a direct and appealing idiom. These form part of a mini-cycle of songs, Ninna nanne popolaresche, completed in the penultimate track. There are one or two older works by Merula and Mozart, but by and large the collection focuses on the 20th century, with memorable melodies and tender expressions by Puccini, Chaminade and Tosti.
Works:
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Brahms: Lieder (5), Op. 49
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Chaminade: Berceuse
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Davico: Tre Ninne nanne popolaresche
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Falla: Siete Canciones populares españolas
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Merula: Canzonetta spirituale sopra alla nanna 'Hor ch'è il tempo di dormire'
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Milhaud: Chants populaires hébraïques (6), Op. 86
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Mozart: Wiegenlied (attr.), K350
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Puccini: E l'uccellino
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Reger: Schlichte Weisen, Op. 76
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Schubert: Wiegenlied, D498
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Tosti: Ninna nanna