Immerse yourself in the opulence and grandeur of 17th-century French court life with Jean-Baptiste Lully's "Les Divertissements de Versailles - Great Operatic Scenes." This captivating album, released in 2002, is a stunning collection of the finest musical scenes from Lully's operatic works, performed with energetic and authentic Baroque style. Spanning a rich duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, this album is a testament to Lully's genius and his enduring influence on French music.
Jean-Baptiste Lully, born in Florence, transformed himself into a quintessential French composer, becoming a favorite of King Louis XIV and a central figure in the musical landscape of Versailles. His compositions, characterized by their vibrant rhythms and intricate harmonies, are brought to life in this recording, offering a glimpse into the lavish entertainments that graced the court of the Sun King.
The album features a diverse array of scenes from Lully's most celebrated operas, including "Psyché," "Armide," and "Isis," among others. Each track is a masterclass in Baroque composition, showcasing Lully's ability to weave together vocal and instrumental elements to create a rich tapestry of sound. From the triumphant fanfares of "Prélude pour les trompettes" to the haunting beauty of "Ah! Je suis descendu dans la nuit du tombeau," this album is a journey through the highs and lows of human experience, as seen through the lens of Lully's unique musical vision.
Whether you're a seasoned Baroque enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Les Divertissements de Versailles - Great Operatic Scenes" is an essential addition to your music collection. With its stunning performances and meticulous attention to historical detail, this album is a true gem of the Baroque repertoire, offering a window into the world of Jean-Baptiste Lully and the dazzling court of Versailles.
Lully: Psyché, LWV 56: Prélude pour les trompettesJean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Lully: Psyché, LWV 56: Chœur. "Chantons les plaisirs charmants" (Chœur)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Lully: L'Amour médecin, LWV 29: Trio. "Quittons notre vaine querelle" (La Comédie, La Musique, Le Ballet)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Olivier Lallouette, Rinat Shaham, Sophie Daneman
Lully: George Dandin, LWV 38: "Chantons tous de l'Amour" (Bacchus, Cloris, Berger, Chœur)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Cyril Auvity, François Bazola, Isabelle Obadia
Lully: Armide, LWV 71: Récit. "Enfin il est en ma puissance" - Prélude et air. "Venez, secondez mes désirs" (Armide)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Rinat Shaham
Lully: Les plaisirs de l'île enchantée, LWV 22 : "Chère Climène, dis-moi" (Cloris, Climène)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Emmanuelle Halimi, Isabelle Obadia
Lully: Isis, LWV 54: Récit. "Je vous aime, Nymphe charmante" - Chœur. "Aimons sans cesse" - Chœur. "Courons à la chasse" - Récit avec chœur. "Je ne puis vous quitter" - Plainte du Dieu Pan (Pan, Syrinx, Mercure, Chœur)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Boris Grappe, Cyril Auvity, Sophie Daneman
Lully: Isis, LWV 54: Duo. "Aimez, profitez du temps" (Nymphes)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Emmanuelle Halimi, Isabelle Obadia
Lully: George Dandin, LWV 38: Quatuor. "Laisse-nous en repos, Philène !" (Climène, Cloris, Tircis, Philène)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Cyril Auvity, Emmanuelle Halimi, Isabelle Obadia, Laurent Slaars
Lully: Isis, LWV 54: Prélude - Chœur. "L'hiver qui nous tourmente" - Récit. "Laissez-moi, cruelle Furie !" - Chœur. "Ah, quelle peine de trembler" (Chœur, Io, La Furie)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Paul Agnew, Sophie Daneman
Lully: Isis, LWV 54: Prélude - Chœur. "Que le feu des forges s'allume" - Récit et chœur. "Quel déluge de feu" (Io, La Furie, Chœur)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Paul Agnew, Sophie Daneman
Lully: Ballet des muses, LWV 32: Air. "Trop indiscret Amour" (Euridice)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Sophie Daneman
Lully: Roland, LWV 65: Air. "Ah! j'attendrai longtemps" - Air. "Je suis trahi !" - Prélude et air. "Ah ! Je suis descendu dans la nuit du tombeau" (Roland)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Olivier Lallouette
Lully: Armide, LWV 71: Ritournelle - Récit et duo. "Armide, vous m'allez quitter" - Passacaille - Chœur. "Les plaisirs ont choisi" (Renaud, Armide, Un amant fortuné, Chœur)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Cyril Auvity, Paul Agnew, Rinat Shaham