Olivier Baumont - Maurice-Quentin de La Tour, portraits en musique (LP)

Step into the opulent world of 18th-century French music with Olivier Baumont's captivating album, "Maurice-Quentin de La Tour, portraits en musique." This exquisite collection, released on October 7, 2022, under Warner Classics, is a testament to Baumont's virtuosity on the harpsichord and his deep understanding of the Baroque and Classical periods.

The album is a beautifully curated selection of musical portraits, a genre that was immensely popular in the 1750s. Baumont has meticulously chosen pieces from renowned composers such as Jean-Philippe Rameau, Claude-Bénigne Balbastre, and Jacques Duphly, among others. The result is a harmonious blend of airs, gavottes, preludes, and menuets that transport the listener to the salons of Paris, where these compositions would have been performed.

The album opens with a series of pieces inspired by Jean-Joseph Cassanéa de Mondonville's opera "Titon et l'Aurore," showcasing Baumont's ability to evoke the grandeur and elegance of the French Baroque. The album then weaves through a tapestry of styles and moods, from the delicate grace of Rameau's "La Dauphine" to the lively energy of Balbastre's "La Boucon."

With a duration of just over 56 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to the world of French harpsichord music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Maurice-Quentin de La Tour, portraits en musique" promises a delightful and enriching listening experience. The album features 21 tracks, each one a masterclass in harpsichord playing from Olivier Baumont.