Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937) and Victor Hugo (1802-1855) were towering figures in their respective disciplines, both in France, and in the world, during their lifetimes. These songs by Widor, to Hugo texts, cover a variety of emotions, from sweet introspection to quiet desperation. Rebecca Hays is perfect for these works. She and pianist Jeffrey Peterson make the most of these marvelous songs.

Rebecca Wascoe Hays' lush, full-bodied soprano and commanding stage presence have brought her diverse critical acclaim. She brings an innate dramatic intensity and musical intelligence to all of her repertoire. In past seasons season, she has sung the title role in Tosca with Louisiana Opera, been heard as the Wife in the world-premiere performance of The Breath of Life at Texas Tech University and been featured as the soprano soloist in Verdi's Requiem with the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra.  Additional concerts have included recitals/masterclasses at Brigham Young University, Central Oklahoma University and The University of Texas at Arlington. She was heard as the soprano soloist in the Brahms's German Requiem in May 2017 at Alice Tully Hall in New York City's Carnegie Hall.

REVIEW:

Soprano Rebecca Hays sings the Widor/Hugo songs with a rich and attractive lyric soprano, even if she is occasionally pressed by Widor’s excursions into the upper register. She sings with admirable commitment, and sensitivity to the ebb and flow of the narrative. Jeffrey Peterson is an attentive collaborator, one who shines on the rare occasions when Widor injects some variety into his keyboard writing. The liner notes include Peterson’s essay and his English translations of the Hugo verses (the original French texts are not provided). Widor’s songs would benefit greatly from performances and recordings by artists steeped in the world and tradition of French song (Régine Crespin would have been marvelous in these, I think). But Rebecca Hays and Jeffrey Peterson make a strong enough case for the repertoire.

-- Fanfare (Ken Meltzer)