Inspired by Verlaine’s expressive poetry, Gabriel Fauré’s compositions mark one of the summits of all art song. From the first setting of Clair de Lune to the legendary Venetian and La Bonne Chanson song cycles, the collection presents music of extraordinary emotional depth.

Tenor Tony Boutté has established himself as a first-rate singer of many styles, including opera, art song, oratorio, and chamber music from the Baroque period to today. Described by Opera News as “possessed of a radiant, communicative tenor”, the Louisiana native has performed across the United States and Europe. Tony is on the faculty of Sam Houston State University (Texas, USA) and is artistic director of New American Voices.

Scots-born Roy Howat is internationally known as performer and scholar. As pianist Roy has appeared worldwide with an array of distinguished chamber music partners and singers, also giving masterclasses, broadcasts, and lectures. His acclaimed critical editions include numerous volumes of Fauré’s piano and chamber music for Edition Peters, as well as the complete songs, co-edited with Emily Kilpatrick.

Pianist and scholar, Australian-born Emily Kilpatrick enjoys a varied career as soloist, duo player and vocal accompanist. Emily is co-editor of the new Peters edition of Fauré’s Complete Songs, and a major contributor to the Edition Peters volumes on Tido Music.

“Sung … with an exhilarating, passionate urgency by the American tenor Tony Boutté, expertly supported by pianists Emily Kilpatrick and Roy Howat” – Guardian