Clérambault Le Triomphe d'Iris
This charming pastorale on the pros and cons of singleness has been irresistibly set to Clerambault's music
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Louis-Nicolas Clérambault
Genre:
Opera
Label: Naxos
Magazine Review Date: 4/2000
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 78
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: 8 554455
Tracks:
| Composition | Artist Credit |
|---|---|
| (Le) triomphe d'Iris |
Louis-Nicolas Clérambault, Composer
(Le) Concert Spirituel Chorus (Le) Concert Spirituel Orchestra Claire Geoffroy-Dechaume, Philis Gaëlle Méchaly, Sylvie, Soprano Hervé Niquet, Conductor Jacques Bona, Tircis Jean-François Lombard, Licaste Jean-François Novelli, Sylvandre Louis-Nicolas Clérambault, Composer Marie-Louise Duthoit, Amour, Soprano Marie-Louise Duthoit, Shepherd, Soprano Serge Goubioud, Daphnis, Tenor |
Author: Nicholas Anderson
Following its two largely rewarding discs of chamber cantatas by Rameau's contemporary Clerambault (10/98 and 11/98), Naxos has come up with a real rarity. Le triomphe d'Iris is a pastorale consisting of three entrees, each set in 'a delightful grove, showing in the background the temple of love ...'. As is the custom with such pieces, the text is concerned chiefly with the poignant situations that arise from love unrequited or undeclared. It is slight but very charming and, with the assistance of Clerambault's unfailingly entertaining music, almost irresistible. Each entree is subdivided into short scenes which contain recits, airs, choruses and a profusion of dances which no one, however lovelorn, sits out. The first entree is, perhaps, especially alluring for its invigorating variety of dance measures - these include a Sarabande, Menuet, Bourree and Canaries as well as an instrumental Prelude, a Marche (whose lively melody made instant appeal) and an attractive French Ouverture.
Herve Niquet and his Concert Spirituel are no strangers to this kind of divertissement, having already released Boismortier's Don Quichotte, also on Naxos (6/97). Clerambault's little drama is effectively paced, eloquently declaimed and, generally speaking, performed with vitality and appropriate lightheartedness. The soloists comprise a strong team but particular praise must go to Marie-Louise Duthoit and Gaelle Mechaly for their lightly articulated and expressively alluring performances. Ulysses, I feel sure, would have succumbed had he encountered them on his travels. The men are more variable, though Jacques Bona makes an admirably lusty Tircis. In short, both performance and music make considerable appeal. Lovers of French baroque expressive delicacy will not be disappointed, but I should imagine that any reader with an interest in 18th-century matters will find something to enjoy in this delightful score. Recommended.'
Herve Niquet and his Concert Spirituel are no strangers to this kind of divertissement, having already released Boismortier's Don Quichotte, also on Naxos (6/97). Clerambault's little drama is effectively paced, eloquently declaimed and, generally speaking, performed with vitality and appropriate lightheartedness. The soloists comprise a strong team but particular praise must go to Marie-Louise Duthoit and Gaelle Mechaly for their lightly articulated and expressively alluring performances. Ulysses, I feel sure, would have succumbed had he encountered them on his travels. The men are more variable, though Jacques Bona makes an admirably lusty Tircis. In short, both performance and music make considerable appeal. Lovers of French baroque expressive delicacy will not be disappointed, but I should imagine that any reader with an interest in 18th-century matters will find something to enjoy in this delightful score. Recommended.'
Clérambault Le Triomphe d'Iris
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