COMPOSERS: Rameau
LABELS: Erato
WORKS: Les grandes motets
PERFORMER: Soloists, Les Arts Florissants/William Christie
CATALOGUE NO: 4509-96967-2 DDD
If Rameau’s three Grands motets are not the grandest of the French Baroque – that distinction goes to Delalande’s – they are among its most expressive: French grace and Italianate determination are linked in a perfect unity of styles. The instrumental writing – splendidly rendered here – is exquisite, especially in ‘In convertendo’, composed in 1713-15 and revised in 1751. Christie’s players and singers bring their customary expertise to this wonderful music, and the soprano Sophie Daneman deserves special praise. Jan Smaczny
Rameau: Les grandes motets
If Rameau’s three Grands motets are not the grandest of the French Baroque – that distinction goes to Delalande’s – they are among its most expressive: French grace and Italianate determination are linked in a perfect unity of styles. The instrumental writing – splendidly rendered here – is exquisite, especially in ‘In convertendo’, composed in 1713-15 and revised in 1751. Christie’s players and singers bring their customary expertise to this wonderful music, and the soprano Sophie Daneman deserves special praise. Jan Smaczny
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:12 pm