Immerse yourself in the opulent world of 17th-century French opera with Jean-Baptiste Lully's "Roland," a masterful recording released on June 12, 2006, by Ambroisie / naïve. This comprehensive 2-hour and 36-minute album presents Lully's grand opera in its entirety, offering a rare opportunity to experience the full scope of his musical genius.
Composed in 1685, "Roland" is a testament to Lully's prowess as a composer and his deep understanding of the French court's tastes. The opera, with a libretto by Philippe Quinault, was a favorite of King Louis XIV and remained popular in France and across Europe for decades. The story, centered around the medieval knight Roland, explores themes of love, loyalty, and honor, all set against a backdrop of lavish musical spectacle.
This recording, conducted by Christophe Rousset and performed by Les Talens Lyriques, brings together a stellar cast of vocalists and instrumentalists. The album features 52 tracks, including arias, ensembles, dances, and instrumental pieces that showcase Lully's diverse musical language. From the stirring overture to the intricate dance movements and the dramatic arias, each track offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Lully's musical vision.
Jean-Baptiste Lully, born in Italy as Giovanni Battista Lulli, moved to France at the age of fourteen and quickly rose to prominence as a composer, dancer, and instrumentalist. His collaboration with Molière and his role as the official composer to the French court cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in French Baroque music. "Roland" stands as a pinnacle of his career, blending his Italian musical heritage with the grandeur of the French court.
Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this recording of "Roland" offers a captivating journey into the world of Jean-Baptiste Lully. The meticulous attention to historical performance practices and the vibrant performances by Les Talens Lyriques make this album an essential addition to any classical music collection.
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte I, scene 1 - Ah! Que mon coeur est agité ! (Angélique)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte I, scene 2: Vous avez peu d'impatience (Témire, Angélique)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte I, scene 3: Ah! Quel Tourment (Médor)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte I, scene 4: De la part de Roland on vient jusqu'en ces lieux (Angélique, Médor)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte I, scene 5: Le Secours de l'Absence (Angélique, Témire)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte I, scene 6: Au généreux Roland je dois ma délivrance (Marche, Ziliante)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte I, scene 6: I. Triomphez, charmante Reine (Ziliante, Air Puis Choeur)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte I, scene 6: II. Air - Dans nos Climats sans chagrin on soupire (Deux Insulaires)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte II, scene 1: Un charme dangereux (Ritournelle, Témire)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte II, scene 2: Belle Angélique, enfin je vous trouve en ces lieux (Roland)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte II, scene 2: Quelle cruauté! Quel mépris! (Roland)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte II, scene 2: Le dépit éteint ma flamme (Roland)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte II, scene 3: Où dois-je aller (Angélique, Témire)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte II, scene 4: I. Agréables retraites (Ritournelle, Médor)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte II, scene 4: II. Fontaine, qui d'une si pure (Médor)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte II, scene 5: I. Aimez, aimez-vous (Angélique, Médor, Choeur Des Nymphes)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte II, scene 5: II. Entrée, GavotteJean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte II, scene 5: III. Deux Amantes ContentesJean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte II, scene 5: IV. Second Air - Que pour jamais un noeud charmant nous lie (Choeur)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte III, scene 1: Non, je n'entends vos conseils qu'avec peine (Ritournelle, Témire, Médor)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte III, scene 2: I. Faut-il encore que je vous aime? (Roland, Angélique)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte III, scene 2: II. Air - J'abandonne ma gloire (Roland)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte III, scene 2: III. En des lieux écartés (Roland)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte III, scene 3: Ah! Je souffre un tourment plus cruel (Médor, Témire)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte III, scene 4: Se peut-il qu'à ses voeux (Médor, Angélique)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte III, scene 5: Vous qui voulez faire paraître (Angélique)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte III, scene 6: I. AirJean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte III, scene 6: II. C'est Médor qu'une Reine si belle (Chaconne Et Choeur)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte IV, scene 1: Va, ton soin m'importune (Ritournelle, Astolphe, Roland)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte IV, scene 2: I. Air - Ah! J'attendrai longtemps (Roland)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte IV, scene 2: II. J'entends un bruit de musique champêtre (Roland)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte IV, scene 3: I. Quand on vient dans ce bocage (Marche, Choeur)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte IV, scene 3: II. MenuetJean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte IV, scene 4: J'aimerais toujours ma bergère (Bélise, Coridon, Roland)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte IV, scene 5: I. Allez, allez, laissez-nous soins fâcheux (Les Mêmes, Tersandre)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte IV, scene 5: II. Je suis trahi! Ciel! (Roland)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte V, scene 1: Sage et divine fée (Astolphe, Logistille)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte V, scene 2: Par le secours d'une douce harmonie (Logistille)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte V, scene 3: I. Air - O vous, dont le nom plein de gloire (Logistille)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte V, scene 3: II. Air Et Choeur - Courez aux armes (Roland, Logistille)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte V, scene 3: III. Quel secours vient me dégager (Roland)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte V, scene 3: IV. Choeur - Sortez pour jamais en ce jourJean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Roland, Opera, LWV 65: Acte V, scene 3: V. Premier AirJean-Baptiste Lully, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques
Jean-Baptiste Lully, born Giovanni Battista Lulli in Florence, Italy, was a towering figure in the world of French Baroque music. His journey from humble Italian beginnings to becoming the preeminent composer and musician at the court of Louis XIV is a testament to his extraordinary talent and ambition. Lully's mastery extended beyond composition to include virtuoso violin playing and dancing, making him a versatile and captivating performer. He is best known for his operas and collaborations with the renowned playwright Molière, creating iconic comédie-ballets such as "Le Bourgeois gentilhomme." Lully's influence was so profound that his musical style was emulated across Europe. Despite his tragic death from gangrene, stemming from a self-inflicted injury while conducting, his legacy endures as the founder of French opera and a master of the French Baroque style.