TV Standard: NTSC
Color: Color

Credits:

Claudio Giovanni Monteverdi

Description:

Today, it is not unusual for a child to pick up a viola da gamba or lute as his or her first instrument. Raphaël Pichon, a talented young conductor who is at the forefront of this trend, has gathered together a group of trusted colleagues to form Pygmalion, one of the most anticipated ancient music groups to visit Japan. The live video footage here shows how they have mastered the essence of the Baroque, and how well suited they are to the unique musical world of Monteverdi. The live performance of Monteverdi's masterpiece against the backdrop of the baroque interior of the former royal chapel at Versailles, from the prayer at the beginning of the video, which makes us aware of the original nature of the work as a prayer in a church, to the toccata that forms the overture, the lighting changes and the power of the music beyond the worship is fully conveyed. The solo singers include the ever-increasing Zajcik and Toro, and the presence of the instrumentalists, who are small in size compared to the chorus, is also exceptional. The performance is so enchanting and dynamic that it is easy to forget that this is a precious performance of rarely seen ancient musical instruments.