Behold Orpheus, the singing shepherd who braved the Underworld to bring back Eurydice. The only human to conquer death, this famous Thracian bard is the hero of the French cantatas that flourished between 1710 and 1730. They paint a picture of the faithful husband<U+2019>s burning ardour and pleas, his hypnotic song that won over the King of Darkness, his furtive glance that would forever rob him of his beloved; these are miniature operas, their intense poignancy rendered by the chamber choir that magnificently envelops the singer. This fine team masterfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, the early gems of the Rocaille period, offering a sequel to the Coucher du Roi with which they gifted us two years ago. This truly is the spirit of Versailles.
Orphée / Nicolas Clérambault (16:49) -- Le retour d'Eurydice aux enfers / Charles Piroye (12:31) -- Second livre de pièces de clavecin. La lyre d'Orphée / Jean-François Dandrieu (3:42) -- Orphée (excerpts) / Jean-Philippe Rameau (16:55) -- Second livre de pièces de viole. Les voix humaines / Marin Marais (4:10) -- Second livre de sonates à deux violons sans basse. Sonata II. Largo / Jean-Marie Leclair (7:59).
Language (note)
The vocal works sung in French.
Title
Visages d'Orphée : cantates / de Clérambault, Piroye, Rameau.
Publisher
[Versailles, France] : Château de Versailles Spectacles, [2023]