L'invitation au voyage

'Graham Johnson is quite literally changing the way we hear French mélodie. What a voyage to be invited to join!' (International Record Review)

'Ainsley - urbane, sexy and witty throughout - is at his absolute best'
(The Guardian)

'A disc to treasure'
(BBC Music Magazine)

"A master of programming encourages lovely singing - these are invitations which are not to be declined. Another wonderfully considered song programme from Graham Johnson. This time he celebrates the belle époque period when France loved its music. John Mark Ainsley offers a wider range of expression than is often the case (beefing up his golden tone when required). On this form, he's one of the greats."
Editor's Choice – Gramophone Magazine (August 2006)

This latest recital from the eternal spring of Graham Johnson's pioneering research is entitled L'invitation au voyage (four settings of the famous Baudelaire text are included) and takes us on a fascinating armchair tour of twenty-four mélodies from 'La belle époque', that period of 'settled and comfortable life in France preceding the First World War' (Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable). No fewer than eight composers are new to the Hyperion catalogue, already so rich in French song, and while these microcosms of salon charm are rarely sublime, every note is eminently civilisé.
So change the wallpaper for something a bit more fin de siècle, allow yourself to join Graham Johnson and the exquisite John Mark Ainsley for a magical hour-and-a-half (time allowed for the refilling of glasses, of course).

Comprehensively annotated and generously illustrated, this new addition to The Hyperion French Song Edition is essential for anyone with a care for a time when nothing really mattered.