Dive into the enchanting world of Baroque opera with Marc-Antoine Charpentier's "La descente d'Orphée aux enfers," a captivating work that showcases the composer's mastery of the genre. This album, released on August 25, 2017, under the Harmonia Mundi label, offers a unique listening experience with a duration of 54 minutes, featuring the talented Ensemble Correspondances under the direction of Sébastien Daucé.
"La descente d'Orphée aux enfers" is a short, possibly unfinished opera in two acts, written for the 10 singers employed by Charpentier's Parisian patron, Madame de Guise. The libretto, by an unknown author, draws inspiration from the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, exploring themes of love, loss, and the power of music. The opera's score, marked H. 488, is a testament to Charpentier's skill in crafting intricate harmonies and memorable melodies.
Recorded at the Théâtre de Poissy, France, in June and July 2017, this album benefits from the acoustics of the historic venue, providing an authentic and immersive listening experience. The ensemble's performance is marked by its precision, expressiveness, and attention to historical performance practices, bringing Charpentier's music to life in a way that is both engaging and enlightening.
From the opening overture to the final chorus, "La descente d'Orphée aux enfers" is a journey through the highs and lows of human experience, as seen through the lens of the ancient myth. The album features a variety of vocal and instrumental textures, from the delicate interplay of strings and winds to the powerful, dramatic choruses that punctuate the score. Each track is a testament to Charpentier's genius, offering a glimpse into the world of 17th-century French opera.
Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "La descente d'Orphée aux enfers" is an album that is sure to captivate and inspire. With its rich history, beautiful music, and outstanding performances, it is a true gem in the world of Baroque opera. So, sit back, relax, and let the enchanting sounds of Marc-Antoine Charpentier transport you to another time and place.
2017 harmonia mundi2017 harmonia mundi
Tracks
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act I: OuvertureMarc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act I Scène 1: "Inventons mille jeux divers"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Violaine Le Chenadec, Caroline Weynants, Caroline Dangin-Bardot, Caroline Arnaud
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act I Scène 1: "Compagnes fidèles"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Caroline Weynants
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act I Scène 1: "Soutiens-moi, chère Œnone"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Caroline Weynants
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act I Scène 2: "Ah! Bergers, c'en est fait"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Robert Getchell
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act I Scène 2: Entrée de Nymphes et de Bergers désespérésMarc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act I Scène 2: "Lâche amant"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Robert Getchell
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act I Scène 3: "Ne tourne point, mon fils"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Etienne Bazola, Robert Getchell
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act I Scène 3: "Que d'un frivole espoir"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Robert Getchell
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II Scène 1: "Affreux tourments"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Stephen Collardelle, Davy Cornillot, Etienne Bazola
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II. L'Enfer Scène 2: "Cessez, cessez fameux coupables"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Robert Getchell
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II Scène 2: "Quelle touchante voix"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Stephen Collardelle, Davy Cornillot, Etienne Bazola
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II. L'Enfer Scène 2: "Je ne refuse point"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Robert Getchell
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II. L'Enfer Scène 2: "Il n'est rien aux Enfers"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II Scène 2: "Entrée des Fantômes"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II Scène 3: "Que cherche en mon palais"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Nicolas Brooymans
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II. L'Enfer Scène 3: "Je ne viens point ici"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Robert Getchell, Sébastien Daucé, Ensemble Correspondances
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II. L'Enfer Scène 3: "Pauvre amant"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Caroline Arnaud, Sébastien Daucé, Ensemble Correspondances
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II. L'Enfer Scène 3: "Eurydice n'est plus"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Robert Getchell
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II. L'Enfer Scène 3: "Le destin est contraire"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Nicolas Brooymans, Caroline Arnaud
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II. L'Enfer Scène 3: "Tu ne la perdras point"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Robert Getchell
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II. L'Enfer Scène 3: "Quel charme impérieux"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Nicolas Brooymans, Caroline Arnaud
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II. L'Enfer Scène 3: "Souviens-toi du larcin"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Robert Getchell
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II. L'Enfer Scène 3: "Je cède, je me rends"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Nicolas Brooymans, Robert Getchell
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II. L'Enfer Scène 4: "Vous partez donc"Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé, Stephen Collardelle, Davy Cornillot, Etienne Bazola
La Descente d'Orphée aux Enfers, H. 488, Act II. L'Enfer Scène 4: Entrée des FantômesMarc-Antoine Charpentier, Ensemble Correspondances, Sébastien Daucé
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