Sueños de España
Soprano Shudong Braamse blends vocal artistry with technical skill in her recording of Sueños de España. This treasury of Spanish art song relates stories of passionate love, broken promises, and heartfelt prayers. Braamse's performance demonstrates both an understanding of the rich Spanish culture and it's 19th-century romantic poetry. Accompanied by piano or Spanish guitar, each canción is simply focused on vocal quality - the star of the show. Braamse's voice offers a lovely, distinctive sound that warmly colors each poem and melodic line. The first song on the album, "Un Adios", describes a troubadour leaving his lover and the ancient city of Granada forever. Braamse performs the role of the troubadour, displaying the pain of abandoning one's love and ancestral home. Her wide vocal range encompasses every note in the song comfortably and naturally, from the low, brooding tones to the sweeping higher ones. This spirit is revealed throughout the album, from "A Tus Ojos", an homage to the eyes of one's sweetheart, to "Ave María", a prayer to the Virgin Mary for strength and protection. In Sueños de España, Braamse communicates expressively each nuance and tone with impeccable Spanish pronunciation and a delivery that is true to her own musical strengths and the power of the stories she tells.