Rameau chez la Pompadour. Le retour d'Astrée & Les Sybarites

Immerse yourself in the opulent world of 18th-century French court music with "Rameau chez la Pompadour. Le retour d'Astrée & Les Sybarites," a captivating album featuring the works of Jean-Philippe Rameau. This exquisite collection, released on September 16, 2022, via Alpha Classics, offers a rare opportunity to experience two of Rameau's lesser-known masterpieces, both commissioned for the lavish spectacles at the court of King Louis XV.

At the heart of this album is the famous Marquise de Pompadour, the king's beloved who reigned over the arts for nearly two decades. Her admiration for Rameau's genius led to the creation of these enchanting pieces, performed in the intimate setting of the Théâtre des petits appartements, where the marquise herself took to the stage.

The album begins with "Le retour d'Astrée," a prologue to Rameau's opera "Les surprises de l'amour." This work, presented here in its original 1748 version, includes a lively overture and a series of airs, choruses, and dances that showcase Rameau's mastery of the French baroque style. The second part of the album features "Les Sybarites," an acte de ballet composed in 1753 for the annual court residence at Fontainebleau. This delightful work tells the story of the Sybarites, a people known for their love of pleasure and luxury, through a series of charming airs, choruses, and instrumental pieces.

Under the expert direction of Louis-Noël Bestion de Camboulas, the Ensemble Les Surprises brings these works to life with vitality and precision. The album's 53 tracks, spanning over an hour, offer a rich and immersive experience of Rameau's musical genius and the opulent world of the French court. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.