Gracias a la vida

This recital is a subtle fusion of classical and popular music from different eras and latitudes - a hymn of love to life itself. It reflects the multifaceted personal journey of mezzo-soprano Anne-Lise Polchlopek and transcends the boundaries between repertoires to explore the universality of human existence and it's relationship with time, with nature, and with other human beings. The programme moves from the modesty of a traditional lullaby to the poetic intimacy of a melodie or a Lied, from the lyricism of a simple song to the splendour of an aria from an opera or a zarzuela. The artist's imagination links pairs of composers together on each track of this album and sparks unique journeys for the listener: de Falla converses with Strauss and Messiaen, while Chaminade and Gimenez tease Mozart; Brel responds to Faure, while Parra sublimates Viardot. Gracias a la vida presents new arrangements for voice, guitar and piano and creates a musical odyssey in which all can share and find new connections.