Emmanuelle Haïm - Campra, Rameau, Mondonville (LP)

Emmanuelle Haïm, the celebrated conductor and keyboard virtuoso, presents a captivating journey through the Baroque era with her latest album, "Campra, Rameau, Mondonville." Released on August 25, 2023, under Warner Classics, this 24-track collection showcases the brilliance of three French Baroque composers: André Campra, Jean-Philippe Rameau, and Jean-Joseph de Mondonville.

The album opens with Campra's "Messe de Requiem," a profound and moving mass that highlights the composer's mastery of choral writing. The performance is marked by Haïm's signature clarity and precision, with the Le Concert d'Astrée ensemble delivering a nuanced and expressive interpretation.

The second part of the album features Rameau's "In convertendo Dominus," a dramatic and emotionally charged work that showcases the composer's innovative use of harmony and counterpoint. The ensemble's performance is both powerful and delicate, with Haïm's conducting bringing out the full range of Rameau's expressive potential.

The album concludes with Mondonville's "In exitu Israel," a vibrant and uplifting work that draws on the composer's background as a violinist. The performance is marked by a lively and rhythmic energy, with Haïm's conducting bringing out the full range of Mondonville's inventive and imaginative writing.

Throughout the album, Haïm's deep understanding of the Baroque repertoire is evident, as she brings out the full range of expressive potential in each work. The performances are marked by a sense of spontaneity and vitality, with the ensemble's playing characterized by a rich and varied palette of colors and textures.

"Campra, Rameau, Mondonville" is a testament to Emmanuelle Haïm's artistry as a conductor and her deep commitment to the Baroque repertoire. With its powerful performances and insightful interpretations, this album is sure to be a highlight of the 2023 classical music season.