Solène Le Van -- “Être aimé“ by Jules Massenet (Video)

Here I interpret an art song by Massenet with Eric Le Van at the piano. The mélodie is rarely performed -- undeservedly so -- perhaps because the composer suffered from a reputation as a fantastical manufacturer of theatrical effects, a classicist whose penchant for writing unabashedly pleasing music contradicted the aims of serious modern music. This piece reveals instead that Massenet is a kind of exalted artisan, who, through sheer mastery of his idiom and gift for sweeping vocal melody, creates impeccably-fashioned musical jewels. His tender and luminous evocations of guileless femininity, filtered through a wonder-filled imagination, reminds me of Nabokov’s thoughts on Jane Austen: “From that workbasket comes exquisite needlework art, and there is a streak of marvelous genius in that child.” Please turn on the subtitles to read the original French and a translation of Victor Hugo’s poetry in real time. ___________________________________________________________________ I am a 23-year-old lyric coloratura soprano with a burning passion for my craft and for the distinct role music plays in lifting us out of an ordinary and parochial sphere of existence. If you would like to support me on my artistic trajectory, please SUBSCRIBE TO HEAR MORE, share my videos with friends or colleagues, and leave a comment. Your thoughts very often make my day. Please prepare for an onslaught of new videos in the coming months!