Credits:

Delalande, Michel-Richard (1657-1726)

Description:

This is the origin of French orchestral music! Even before Bach and Handel were active, France boasted an influence as one of the major trends in European music with its elite ancient instrumental ensemble under the direction of Dumestre. This valuable collection of works by de Lalande, the origin of orchestral art, has been recorded at the Palace of Versailles, the place where the works were composed, by the best players active at the forefront of French music! Louis XIV, the master of the palace, overwhelmed his guests on diplomatic visits with refined works of art and furnishings, and impressed them with the prestige of French culture by having his own royal music played everywhere, even his own dinners were open to the public with music. The music was composed by the young genius de Lalande, who became director of music at the court after Lully's death, and has survived to this day in a score compiled after the king's death ("symphonie" is a word that has been used since the 18th century to mean "symphony," but at this time it simply meant "ensemble music"). at this time). ) These pieces are unique among the court music of Louis XIV, and while there are not many recordings of them, this album is a must-see as the first full-fledged recording from the French classical music world in a long time.The orchestra will be conducted by Vincent Dumestre, who has conducted de Lalande's large-scale vocal works and Lully's operas. The orchestra, which is rare under the name of Le Poème Armonique, is relatively large, and is led by Jérémie Papaserdjio, a baroque bassoonist who also performed in "Music on the Water" under Niquet, as well as other important players. The orchestra, which also includes three French-style violas, consists of 24 strings, 6 winds, 1 percussionist, and 1 keyboardist, including two theorbo players. Experts have also supplemented the extant score, and the liner notes are well written. This is a remarkable disc that offers a taste of the masterpieces that have whet the appetite of kings and left art lovers in awe, with a sound that is direct from the home of the music. Naxos Japan