Immerse yourself in the opulent world of the French court with Trio Sonnerie's exquisite album, "A Portrait of Love: Music for the French Court." Released on October 12, 1993, under the Harmonia Mundi label, this chamber music collection is a treasure trove of Baroque elegance and refined artistry. Spanning a captivating 74 minutes, the album is a testament to the virtuosity and historical insight of Trio Sonnerie, a group renowned for their dynamic performances and scholarly approach to early music.
The album opens with the regal "La Sonnerie de Sainte Geneviève du Mont de Paris," setting the stage for a journey through the intricate and expressive world of 18th-century French music. The centerpiece of the collection is the cantata "L'Amour piqué par une Abeille," a whimsical and charming exploration of love's trials and triumphs, beautifully rendered by Trio Sonnerie. The ensemble's mastery of the period's musical language is evident in their nuanced interpretations of each movement, from the enchanting "Dans les Jardins enchantés de Cythere" to the triumphant "Charmant vainqueur."
The album also features selections from François Couperin's "Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts," showcasing the composer's innovative blend of French and Italian styles. Trio Sonnerie's performance of the "Ritratto dell' Amore" is a standout, with each movement—from the delicate "Le Charme" to the exuberant "La Vivacité"—painted with vivid colors and impeccable phrasing.
Complementing these works are selections from Jean-Philippe Rameau's "Pièces de Clavecin," Book 3, including the evocative "Les Folies Françoises." Trio Sonnerie's sensitive playing brings out the poetic and dramatic qualities of these pieces, highlighting the composer's genius for portraying human emotions through music.
The album concludes with the poignant cantata "La Mort de Didon," a dramatic retelling of the tragic love story of Dido and Aeneas. Trio Sonnerie's powerful performance of this work is a fitting finale to an album that is as varied in mood as it is rich in historical significance.
"A Portrait of Love: Music for the French Court" is not just a collection of beautiful music; it is a window into the cultural and artistic world of the French court. Trio Sonnerie's dedication to historical performance practices and their deep understanding of the music make this album an essential addition to any lover of Baroque music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
Tracks
La Sonnerie de Sainte Geneviève du Mont de ParisMarin Marais, Trio Sonnerie
Cantata "L'Amour piqué par une Abeille": I. Dans les Jardins enchantés de CythereLouis-Nicolas Clérambault, Trio Sonnerie, Nancy Argenta
Cantata "L'Amour piqué par une Abeille": II. Sous les loix de la jeune FloreLouis-Nicolas Clérambault, Trio Sonnerie, Nancy Argenta
Cantata "L'Amour piqué par une Abeille": III. Tandis que les AmoursLouis-Nicolas Clérambault, Trio Sonnerie, Nancy Argenta
Cantata "L'Amour piqué par une Abeille": IV. Rien n'est si beauLouis-Nicolas Clérambault, Trio Sonnerie, Nancy Argenta
Cantata "L'Amour piqué par une Abeille": V. Qu'a votre gloire tout conspireLouis-Nicolas Clérambault, Trio Sonnerie, Nancy Argenta
Cantata "L'Amour piqué par une Abeille": VI. L'Amour charméLouis-Nicolas Clérambault, Trio Sonnerie, Nancy Argenta
Cantata "L'Amour piqué par une Abeille": VII. Charmant vainqueurLouis-Nicolas Clérambault, Trio Sonnerie, Nancy Argenta
Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": I. Le CharmeFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": II. L'EnjoüementFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts: Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": III. Les GrâcesFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": IV. Le je-ne-scay-quoyFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts: Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": V. La VivacitéFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": VI. La Noble FiertéFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": VII. La DouceurFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts, 9th Concert: "Ritratto dell' Amore": VIII. L'et CaeteraFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Suite d'un Goût Etranger: No. 61, La Feste ChampêtreMarin Marais, Trio Sonnerie
Pieces de Clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre "Les Folies Françoises": I. La VirginitéFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Pieces de Clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre "Les Folies Françoises": II. La PudeurFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Pieces de Clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre "Les Folies Françoises": III. L'ArdeurFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Pieces de Clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre "Les Folies Françoises": IV. L'EspéranceFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Pieces de Clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre "Les Folies Françoises": V. La FidelitéFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Pieces de Clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre "Les Folies Françoises": VI. La PersévéranceFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Pieces de Clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre "Les Folies Françoises": VII. La LangueurFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Pieces de Clavecin: Pieces de clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre "Les Folies Françoises": VIII. Les Dominos (La Coquetterie)François Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Pieces de Clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre "Les Folies Françoises": IX. Les Vieux GalantsFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Pieces de Clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre "Les Folies Françoises": X. Les Coucous bénévolesFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Pieces de Clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre "Les Folies Françoises": XI. La Jalousie TaciturneFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Pieces de Clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre "Les Folies Françoises": XII. Désespoir (La Frénésie)François Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Pieces de Clavecin: Pieces de clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre "Les Folies Françoises": XIII. L'Ame en PeineFrançois Couperin, Trio Sonnerie
Cantata "La Mort de Didon": I. "Je ne verrai donc plus Énée!"Michel Pignolet de Montéclair, Trio Sonnerie, Nancy Argenta
Cantata "La Mort de Didon": II. Air "O Toi Déesse de Cithère!"Michel Pignolet de Montéclair, Trio Sonnerie, Nancy Argenta
Cantata "La Mort de Didon": III. "Infidèle pourquoi quitez vous ce rivage?"Michel Pignolet de Montéclair, Trio Sonnerie, Nancy Argenta
Cantata "La Mort de Didon": IV. Air "Tirans de l'empire de l'Onde"Michel Pignolet de Montéclair, Trio Sonnerie, Nancy Argenta
Cantata "La Mort de Didon": V. Air "Qu'il est dangereux"Michel Pignolet de Montéclair, Trio Sonnerie, Nancy Argenta
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