Journal Friday, January 09, 2009

Isabel Bayrakdarian's "Gomidas Songs" Named WNYC's "Soundcheck" CD Pick of the Week

Isabel Bayrakdarian's Nonesuch debut, Gomidas Songs, featuring the music of Armenia's national composer, Gomidas Vardabet, has been named a CD Pick of the Week by WNYC's Soundcheck. In recommending the album, the show's associate producer Brian Wise describes the Canadian-Armenian soprano as "a rising star in the opera world." After explaining the compelling story behind the album and its subject, Wise calls Bayrakdarian "an interesting figure in her own right."

Gramophone magazine describes the album's repertoire as "exquisitely haunting miniatures [that] sound as if they belong somewhere between Bartók and Canteloube." Reviewer John Allison says, "Above all, the limpid, melismatic vocal lines allow us to savour the bright lyric soprano of Bayrakdarian at her most relaxed."

To sample tracks from the album, including a number full-length tracks, click here.

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• Go to Isabel Bayrakdarian's page

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