Claude Balbastre - Balbastre: Quatre Suites de Noëls (LP)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French Baroque music with Claude Balbastre's "Quatre Suites de Noëls," a captivating collection of Noël suites performed by the renowned Olivier Baumont. Released in 2000 under the Tempéraments / Radio France label, this album is a testament to Balbastre's virtuosity and his enduring popularity, particularly for his improvisations at St. Roch in Paris.

Spanning over an hour, this album features four suites of Noël compositions, each offering a unique blend of grace, gaiety, and solemnity. The suites are intricately structured, with each piece marked by specific tempos and moods, from the "gracieusement" (gracefully) to the "animé" (animated) and "gaiement" (gaily). The tracks range from lively pastorales to tender muzettes, showcasing the full spectrum of Balbastre's musical prowess.

The album opens with the "Première suite de Noëls," setting the stage with a graceful prélude and continuing with a mix of lively and contemplative pieces. The "Deuxième suite de Noëls" introduces a more festive spirit, while the "Troisième suite de Noëls" delves into divine themes with pieces like "Divine princesse" and "Ô jour ton divin Flembeau." The "Quatrième suite de Noëls" concludes the album with a blend of tenderness and joy, featuring tracks like "Il n'est rien de plus tendre" and the lively "A minuit fut fait un réveil."

Olivier Baumont's performance brings Balbastre's compositions to life, capturing the essence of each piece with precision and passion. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or new to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The meticulous attention to detail in both the composition and performance makes this a standout addition to any music collection.