Dive into the rich tapestry of Baroque opera with André Campra's "Idoménée," a masterful work that showcases the composer's genius and the opulence of 18th-century French opera. Released in 1994 by Harmonia Mundi, this album captures the essence of Campra's dramatic and musical prowess, offering a captivating journey through one of his most celebrated operas.
"Idoménée" is a testament to Campra's ability to weave intricate narratives with lush orchestration and powerful vocal performances. The album features a stellar cast, including Anne Mopin, and the renowned ensemble Les Arts Florissants, conducted by the esteemed William Christie. The opera, with a libretto by Antoine Danchet, is a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and divine intervention, set against the backdrop of ancient Crete.
The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, encompassing 19 tracks that highlight the opera's most stirring moments. From the dramatic overture to the enchanting dances and arias, each track is a testament to Campra's musical brilliance. The inclusion of traditional dance forms like the rigaudon and musette adds a layer of authenticity and charm, transporting the listener to the opulent courts of Baroque France.
Recorded in 1991 and released three years later, "Idoménée" benefits from the meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy that Harmonia Mundi is known for. The album's production quality is impeccable, ensuring that every nuance of Campra's score is captured with clarity and depth. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Idoménée" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
1994 harmonia mundi1994 harmonia mundi
Tracks
Idoménée, Prologue: OuvertureAndré Campra, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Prologue, Scène 1: "Laissez-nous sortir d'esclavage" (Eole et les vents)André Campra, Jérôme Corréas, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte I, Scène 3: "Quittez vos fers" (Idamante)André Campra, Jean-Paul Fouchécourt, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte II, Scène 1 – Scène 2: "O Dieux ! ô justes Dieux" (Chœur de peuple) - "Cessez de soulever les ondes" (Neptune)André Campra, Jérôme Corréas, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte II, Scène 4: "Soyez témoins de mon inquietude" (Idamante, Idoménée)André Campra, Jean-Paul Fouchécourt, Bernard Deletré, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte II, Scène 5 – Scène 6: "Il me fuit le Cruel" (Electre)André Campra, Sandrine Piau, Marie Boyer, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte III, Scène 2 – Scène 3: "Je dois être jaloux qu'un autre ait eû la gloire" (Ilione, Idoménée) - "Que d'immoler mon fils" (Idoménée)André Campra, Bernard Deletré, Monique Zanetti, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte III, Scène 6: Simphonie. "Je vois des Argiens la troupe impatiente" (Electre)André Campra, Sandrine Piau, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte III, Scène 6: Premier et deuxième rigaudons – Aimable Esperance (Electre)André Campra, Sandrine Piau, William Christie, Les Arts Florissants
Idoménée, Acte IV, Scène 1: "Espoir des maleureux" (Ilione)André Campra, Monique Zanetti, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte IV, Scène 3: "Ciel, que vois je?" (Idoménéè, Idamante)André Campra, Bernard Deletré, Jean-Paul Fouchécourt, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte IV, Scène 4 – Scène 5: "O Neptune, reçoy nos vœux" (Idoménée, Les Sacrificateurs)André Campra, Bernard Deletré, Richard Dugay, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte IV, Scène 6: "Triomphez, remportez une immortelle gloire" (Chœurs)André Campra, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte IV, Scène 6: MusetteAndré Campra, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte IV, Scène 6: "Volez au son de nos musettes" (Deux Bergères)André Campra, Anne Pichard, Anne Mopin, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte IV, Scène 6: Rigaudon. Premier & deuxième menuetsAndré Campra, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte V, Scène 1: "Il est donc vray, Seigneur" (Electre, Idamante)André Campra, Sandrine Piau, Jean-Paul Fouchécourt, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte V, Scène 2: "Ah ! quel bonheur de vous revoir !" (Ilione, Idamante)André Campra, Monique Zanetti, Jean-Paul Fouchécourt, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Idoménée, Acte V, Scène dernière: "Quel pouvoir m'a conduit" (Idoménée)André Campra, Bernard Deletré, Monique Zanetti, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
André Campra, born in 1660 in Aix-en-Provence, was a pivotal figure in French Baroque music, bridging the gap between the legendary Jean-Baptiste Lully and the innovative Jean-Philippe Rameau. As a composer and conductor, Campra's influence was immense, particularly in the realm of opera. He is credited with creating the "opéra-ballet" genre, a unique blend of French and Italian musical styles that captivated audiences. His stage productions were renowned for their spirited performances, and his tragic operas and ballet-operas were extremely well-received. Beyond his operatic achievements, Campra also made significant contributions to sacred music, including a requiem and numerous grand motets. His career spanned various prestigious positions, including music master at Notre-Dame de Paris and composer to the Chapelle Royale, leaving an indelible mark on French music. Campra's legacy endures, celebrated for his role in the renewal of French opera and his prolific output of both secular and sacred works.
Vinylscout
André Campra
