COMPOSERS: Charpentier
LABELS: Harmonia Mundi
WORKS: ‘O’ Antiphons for Advent; Noëls pour les instruments; In Nativitatem DNJC Canticum
PERFORMER: Les Arts Florissants/William Christie
CATALOGUE NO: HMA 1905124 DDD
It would be a pity if these beautiful pieces were confined merely to seasonal listening. Charpentier’s ‘O’ Antiphons, so called because of the opening syllable of their vocal entries, are here balanced and offset by the charming instrumental miniatures Noëls. The equally fine Canticum, closer to oratorio, is quite different in style. Les Arts Florissants excel in this repertoire, and the splendidly atmospheric recording is ideal too. The only drawback is the short playing time. Terry Barfoot
Charpentier: 'O' Antiphons for Advent; Noëls pour les instruments; In Nativitatem DNJC Canticum
It would be a pity if these beautiful pieces were confined merely to seasonal listening. Charpentier’s ‘O’ Antiphons, so called because of the opening syllable of their vocal entries, are here balanced and offset by the charming instrumental miniatures Noëls. The equally fine Canticum, closer to oratorio, is quite different in style. Les Arts Florissants excel in this repertoire, and the splendidly atmospheric recording is ideal too. The only drawback is the short playing time. Terry Barfoot
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:32 pm