Barbara Hannigan’s latest recording project is a CD of Messiaen’s vocal music with pianist Bertrand Chamayou.  It’s very much an equal partnership with some superb musicianship on display.  It starts off with two cycles written for/inspired by Messiaen’s first wife.  Chants de Terre et de Ciel celebrates the marriage and the birth of their young son.  There’s some very dramatic singing here but what really stood out for me was Hannigan’s ability to float a note with perfect control and apparent ease.  It works beautifully with the more delicate parts of the piano part.

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