A French Baroque Diva: Soprano Arias for Marie Fel

Experience the enchanting vocals of Carolyn Sampson in "A French Baroque Diva: Soprano Arias for Marie Fel," a captivating journey through the Baroque era's sacred and secular music. This album, released on June 1, 2014, under the Hyperion label, showcases Sampson's extraordinary range and versatility, accompanied by the exquisite choral ensemble Ex Cathedra and conducted by Jeffrey Skidmore.

Spanning a little over an hour, this collection of 22 tracks features arias and choral works by renowned composers such as Louis Lacoste, Michel-Richard Delalande, Jean-Philippe Rameau, and Jean-Joseph de Mondonville. The album traces the career of Marie Fel, a celebrated French soprano of the 18th century, with a particular focus on her performances in 1754. Sampson's interpretation of these pieces is both historically informed and deeply expressive, offering a unique perspective on the music of the French Baroque.

Highlights of the album include the delicate and evocative "Philomèle" by Mondonville, the grand and majestic "Te Deum laudamus" by Delalande, and the lively and playful arias from Rameau's operas "Castor et Pollux" and "Platée." The album also features sacred works such as "Laudate pueri" by Joseph Hector Fiocco, performed with the ornamentation written out by Marie Fel herself, and "Venite, exsultemus" by Mondonville.

Carolyn Sampson's crystalline voice and impeccable technique bring these Baroque masterpieces to life, making "A French Baroque Diva: Soprano Arias for Marie Fel" a delight for both Baroque enthusiasts and those new to the genre. The album's rich and varied program, expertly performed and recorded, offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the French Baroque vocal repertoire.