Immerse yourself in the opulent world of Louis XIV's court with Jean-Baptiste Lully's masterful "Atys," a tragédie en musique that blends the splendor of the French court with the turmoil of unyielding passions and forbidden love. This 2024 release, presented by Château de Versailles Spectacles, offers a captivating journey through the intricate and dramatic narrative of "Atys," composed around 1675.
Spanning over two hours, this meticulously crafted album features the complete opera, divided into a prologue and five acts, each brimming with Lully's signature orchestral grandeur and vocal brilliance. The opera, with its rich libretto by Philippe Quinault, is a testament to the golden age of French opera, showcasing the artistic prowess of the era.
The album begins with the stirring "Ouverture," setting the stage for the dramatic unfolding of Atys' tale. From the enchanting "Air pour les Nymphes de Flore" to the poignant arias like "Qu'un indifférent est heureux" and "Que l'amour a d'attraits," each track is a masterclass in baroque composition, highlighting Lully's innovative use of melody and harmony.
Jean-Baptiste Lully, renowned as the court composer to Louis XIV, brings his unparalleled skill to this opera, making "Atys" a cornerstone of his illustrious career. The performance, captured in stunning detail, features a stellar cast and orchestra, ensuring that every note and nuance of Lully's score is brought to life with authenticity and passion.
"Atys" is not just an opera; it is a window into the grandeur and intrigue of the French court, a world where politics, love, and destiny collide. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an unforgettable experience, showcasing the timeless beauty of Lully's music and the enduring appeal of his storytelling.
2024 Château de Versailles Spectacles2023 Château de Versailles Spectacles
Atys, LWV 53, Act I: Venez tous dans mon Temple (Cybèle)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Ambroisine Bré, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset
Atys, LWV 53, Act II: Ritournelle. N'avancez pas plus loinJean-Baptiste Lully, Philippe Estèphe, Reinoud Van Mechelen, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset
Atys, LWV 53, Act II: Qu'un indifférent est heureux (Atys)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Reinoud Van Mechelen, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset
Atys, LWV 53, Act II: Je veux joindre en ces lieux (Cybèle)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Ambroisine Bré, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset
Atys, LWV 53, Act II: Tu t'étonnes, Mélisse (Cybèle)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Ambroisine Bré, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset
Atys, LWV 53, Act II: Que les plus doux Zéphyrs (Cybèle, Chœur des Peuples)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Ambroisine Bré, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset, Chœur De Chambre De Namur
Atys, LWV 53, Act II: Entrée des NationsJean-Baptiste Lully, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset
Atys, LWV 53, Act II: Entrée des ZéphyrsJean-Baptiste Lully, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset
Atys, LWV 53, Act II: Que devant vous (Chœur des Nations)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset, Chœur De Chambre De Namur
Atys, LWV 53, Act II: Indigne que je suis (Atys)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Reinoud Van Mechelen, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset
Atys, LWV 53, Act II: Que devant vous (Chœur des Nations)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset, Chœur De Chambre De Namur
Atys, LWV 53, Act II: Reprise de l'Air des ZéphyrsJean-Baptiste Lully, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset
Atys, LWV 53, Act III: Que servent les faveurs (Atys)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Reinoud Van Mechelen, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset
Jean-Baptiste Lully, born in Florence in 1632, was a titan of French Baroque music, despite his Italian roots. His life's work was deeply intertwined with the opulent court of Louis XIV, where he served as a composer, dancer, and instrumentalist. Lully's influence was so profound that he effectively controlled French court music from 1662 onwards, and his style resonated throughout Europe. He is renowned for his operas and his collaborations with the playwright Molière on numerous comédie-ballets, including the iconic "Le Bourgeois gentilhomme."
Lully's contributions to music are vast, with over 40 ballets and a significant body of sacred music to his name. He is credited with founding the French opera genre, creating a unique style of musical declamation that perfectly suited the French language. His tragic death in 1687, resulting from an infection caused by a conducting stick, only adds to the dramatic narrative of his life. Lully's legacy endures, making him a pivotal figure in the history of European music.