Claude Balbastre - Balbastre : Les quatre suites de Noëls (LP)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French Baroque music with Claude Balbastre's "Balbastre: Les quatre suites de Noëls." Released on November 15, 1992, under the Arion label, this captivating album spans a duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, offering a rich and diverse collection of Noël suites that showcase Balbastre's virtuosity and the timeless beauty of the genre.

Claude Balbastre, a renowned French organist and composer of the 18th century, presents four distinct suites, each comprising multiple movements that evoke the spirit of Christmas and the joyous celebrations of the season. The album opens with the Première Suite de Noëls, featuring lively and festive pieces such as "A la venue de Noël" and "Joseph est bien marié." As you progress through the suites, you'll encounter a variety of moods and styles, from the playful and whimsical to the deeply reverent and contemplative.

The Deuxième Suite de Noëls introduces a more introspective tone with pieces like "Votre bonté grand Dieu Noël" and "Il est un petit ange," while the Troisième Suite de Noëls offers a blend of grandeur and intimacy, highlighted by "Divine princesse" and "O jour ton divin flambeau." The album concludes with the Quatrième Suite de Noëls, which includes the poignant "Je rends grâce à mon Dieu" and the triumphant "Il n'est rien de plus tendre Si c'est pour oter la vie A minuit fut fait un réveil."

Balbastre's masterful compositions, performed with exquisite skill and sensitivity, bring to life the rich tapestry of French Noël music. This album is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of Baroque music, offering a profound and delightful exploration of the festive spirit through the lens of a master composer.