One could say that Gabriel Dupont (1878–1914), a Norman composer from the early 20th century, was not exactly favored by fate. His career, tragically cut short by illness on the eve of the First World War, never had the chance to firmly establish his work in the collective memory. And yet, his music stands out for its refined harmonies and innate sense of line—particularly in his songs, which remain largely unknown despite their beauty.
Today, Cyrille Dubois and Tristan Raës are determined to right that wrong with this complete recording of Dupont’s mélodies—one of the few in existence—paying tribute to the composer. Drawing on their deep familiarity with this repertoire, they are committed to capturing its full subtlety, placing special emphasis on the clarity and expression of the text. This is especially fitting given Dupont’s own careful selection of exquisite poems, spanning a wide variety of styles and authors—lending his work remarkable literary and expressive richness.
Here, the embodiment of the word takes on its full meaning, carried by the performers’ dedication, who skillfully reveal the evocative power of the poetry and the profound interplay between text and music.
With this new chapter in their melodic odyssey, Cyrille Dubois and Tristan Raës capture the poetry of everyday life, elevating the art of a composer whose supreme refinement lies in being moved (and moving us) by the trace of a wrinkle (La Rencontre), a scent (Crépuscule d’été, Le Baiser), or a glimmer of light (Douceur du soir).
Cyrille Dubois joins Aparté
The label Aparté and Cyrille Dubois have formalized an exclusive five-year partnership, solidifying a collaboration that began in 2019 with O Lieb, an album devoted to the songs of Franz Liszt. Since then, the tenor and pianist Tristan Raës have released numerous critically acclaimed recordings, delving into the art song repertoire with both rigor and sensitivity.
Following albums dedicated to Boulanger, Fauré, and Beydts, new projects are on the horizon, including a complete recording of Poulenc’s mélodies, a Britten anthology, and orchestral works.
An Album Already Acclaimed by the Critics
“French mélodie suits Cyrille Dubois perfectly—the tenor masterfully navigates sudden shifts in tone, while Tristan Raës transforms the piano into a kind of still, capable of the most intricate distillations.”
Le Monde
“Cyrille Dubois fascinates with his genuine and deeply moving expressiveness, the beauty and richness of his timbre—never overdone, but charged with a passionate energy that shifts between tenderness and nostalgia, ecstasy and intoxication.”
Supersonic Pizzicato
“In this well-curated program, the tenor displays the musicality he is known for, with meticulous phrasing, refined nuances, and crystal-clear diction that makes every word intelligible.”
Opéra Magazine
“This isn’t the first complete recording of Gabriel Dupont’s songs, but Cyrille Dubois’ luminous voice casts them in an entirely new light—this is, in short, a revelation.”
Forum Opera
A Unique Collection Dedicated to the Art Song
Since the early days of their collaboration at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSM), Cyrille Dubois and Tristan Raës have cultivated a rare artistic bond in service of French mélodie—a repertoire they have continued to explore and enrich over the years. Their shared commitment has taken shape in a dedicated recording series that spans tributes to major figures of the genre—such as their complete Fauré songs, awarded a Gramophone Award—and bold rediscoveries like Beydts and the Boulanger sisters (Diapason d’or).
This one-of-a-kind series is a bold undertaking at a time when sustaining such projects in the classical music industry is becoming increasingly difficult. This new album dedicated to Gabriel Dupont remains true to Aparté’s spirit: championing ambitious and all-too-rare recording projects, in collaboration with passionate and gifted artists.
