Lully: Persée 1770

Album Description

Experience the grandeur of the Baroque era with Jean-Baptiste Lully's "Persée 1770," a stunning revival of his classic opera, originally composed in 1682. This two-disc set, released by Alpha Classics, presents a lavish production that marked the inauguration of the Royal Opera House at Versailles Palace in 1770, celebrating the wedding of the Dauphin and Marie Antoinette.

The album features a rich orchestration and expanded roles for the chorus and ballet, showcasing the opulence of the original performances with 95 choristers, 15 soloists, 80 dancers, 100 extras, 80 instrumentalists, five sets, and 350 costumes. Under the direction of Hervé Niquet and the talented ensemble Le Concert Spirituel, this recording brings together an impressive cast of singers, including Mathias Vidal, Hélène Guilmette, Katherine Watson, and many more, to deliver a powerful and dramatic performance.

"Persée 1770" spans over an hour and fifteen minutes, encompassing 67 tracks that capture the essence of Lully's tragédie en musique. The album is a testament to the enduring appeal of Lully's compositions, offering a unique blend of vocal prowess, orchestral brilliance, and historical significance. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or new to the world of Baroque opera, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

March 10, 2017

2016 Alpha Classics / Outhere Music France

2016 Château de Versailles Spectacle, Le Concert Spirituel & Outhere Music France

About Jean-Baptiste Lully

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.