A treasure-trove of French mélodies, gorgeously sung and engineered. Véronique Gens, whose Virgin CD of Handel solo cantatas was so captivating, here turns to the more rarified, intimate songs of Fauré, Debussy, and Poulenc, with similarly outstanding results. She varies her slender soprano to suit the song, slimming it down for Debussy's fragile "Beau soir," broadening it for some of the more sensual Fauré settings, and sharpening it for Poulenc's wit. Gens has traditional French vocal virtues such as rhythmic life and precise diction, without the typical astringent high notes. Roger Vignoles's characterization of the piano parts helps make this a perfect partnership. The result: an excellent introduction to the art of mélodie and its three outstanding exponents. An eminently satisfying recital not to be missed. --Dan Davis