Barbara Hendricks teams up with the Pori Sinfonietta and Jan Soderblom to bring us a triple dose of French composer Hector Berlioz on their latest album. Starting off with "Herminie," Hendricks' soprano soars over the lush orchestration, painting a vivid picture of love and loss. It's a hauntingly beautiful piece that showcases her vocal prowess and emotional depth. Next up, we have "Les Nuits d'Ete," a cycle of songs that perfectly captures the essence of a summer night. Hendricks' voice shimmers and glows, effortlessly conveying the longing and nostalgia that permeate each lyric. The Pori Sinfonietta provides the perfect backdrop, with their sensitive and nuanced playing enhancing the dreamy atmosphere. And finally, we have "Cleopatre," a dramatic cantata that sees Hendricks embodying the legendary Egyptian queen with gusto. Her voice is powerful and commanding, yet she also brings a vulnerability to the role that is truly captivating. Soderblom and the orchestra pull out all the stops, creating a grand and majestic sound that perfectly complements Hendricks' performance. Overall, this album is a tour de force from start to finish. Hendricks' voice is as enchanting as ever, and the Pori Sinfonietta and Soderblom provide impeccable support throughout. Berlioz would be proud.

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