Jean-Baptiste Lully - Lully: Ballets & recits italiens (LP)

Immerse yourself in the rich, Baroque splendor of Jean-Baptiste Lully's "Lully: Ballets & Recits Italiens," a captivating collection of instrumental and vocal works that showcase the composer's mastery of both French and Italian styles. Released on Glossa in 2009, this album offers a delightful journey through the opulent world of 17th-century courtly entertainment, featuring a mix of ballet music and Italian recitatives that highlight Lully's versatility and ingenuity.

The album spans a little over an hour and includes a variety of pieces, from the lively and rhythmic "La raillerie" to the tender and expressive "Psyche: Psyche, Act I: Deh, piangete al pianto mio." Lully's collaboration with Molière on "Le bourgeois gentilhomme" is also well-represented, with selections like the "Quatrieme entree - Air: Di rigori armata il seno" and the "Duo: Bel tempo che vola - Rejouissance" showcasing the composer's ability to blend music and drama seamlessly.

Vocal highlights include the plaintive "Ah, quelle cruaute" from "Flore" and the impassioned "Ah, Rinaldo, e dove sei?" from "Les amours déguisés," demonstrating Lully's skill in setting Italian text to music. The instrumental pieces, such as the "Ouverture - Ritournelle - Air: Amiam dunque, infin ch'e lecito" from "Alcidiane" and the "Petite chaconne - Duo: Cede al vostro valore," offer a feast for the ears with their intricate melodies and lively rhythms.

Whether you're a seasoned Baroque enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Lully: Ballets & Recits Italiens" promises a rewarding listening experience, filled with the grandeur, elegance, and emotional depth that define Lully's compositions.