Davidsen and Baillieu's Live at the Met Album: Electrifying Opera Duo
Recorded on stage at the Metropolitan Opera in New York during September 2023, the album Live at the Met by soprano Lise Davidsen and pianist James Baillieu captures nearly an hour of outstanding singing and playing. This live recording represents a significant occasion, as performing a solo recital at the Met is a major achievement, but it primarily showcases the duo's exceptional artistry in an intimate setting.
Thrilling Performances and Sincere Expression
Davidsen's soprano voice is described as fresh, gleaming, and direct, with silvery top notes that never become overblown. She skillfully navigates the edge of her vocal range to create thrilling effects, particularly in her renditions of four Strauss songs. In Schubert pieces, she fills long lines with sincere expression, while four Sibelius songs unleash a passionate interpretation of the text.
There are few surprises in the setlist, except for a playful rendition of I Could Have Danced All Night, where Davidsen adopts a cockney accent. This follows her performance of the heroine's entrance aria from Die Csárdásfürstin at the Last Night of the Proms just days before, where she similarly engaged the audience. Both performances are executed nicely, avoiding excessive opera-singer aura.
Baillieu's Electric Piano Accompaniment
James Baillieu's piano playing provides electric support throughout the album. While it cannot replicate the orchestral explosion at the start of Wagner's Dich, Teure Halle, his performance matches Davidsen's natural euphoria. In slower arias, he mirrors every nuance of her singing, creating a singular sense of focus and cohesion between the two artists.
Intimate Encores and Grand Finale
The recording is framed by two encores that highlight the duo's ability to make the momentous feel intimate. First, an intimate and ultimately searing performance of Vissi d'Arte from Tosca, followed by Grieg's song Våren. In the latter, Davidsen sings as if to a roomful of friends, despite performing in the world's largest opera house, showcasing her ability to connect personally with the audience.
This album is a testament to the powerful partnership between Davidsen and Baillieu, offering electrifying renditions that blend grand opera with intimate sincerity. Released by Decca, it stands as a significant contribution to classical music recordings, capturing the essence of live performance at one of the most prestigious venues in the world.
