Rameau - Les Amants Trahis
Philippe Sly; Hélène Guilmette; Clavecin en Concert; Luc Beauséjour
Analekta AN 2 9991
Rameau was always supremely confident of his instrumental compositions, yet opera remained his key challenge. His quest for excellence is demonstrated in this CD. In some short extracts from Thétis, bass-baritone Philippe Sly sings an attractive prélude Muses, dans vos divins concerts, demonstrating Rameau’s mastery of airs and récitatifs. More complex are the pieces selected from Les Amants Trahis: Hélène Guilmette and Sly are almost polyphonic in Ma bergère a trahi sa foi, carefully interpreting the moods of the duo. In fact, it is difficult to decide which are the more enjoyable, the duos or the airs – the compilers offer us no fewer than 30 tracks to help us make up our minds!
Les Amants Trahis, with 12 tracks selected, dominates this anthology, but let us not forget Aquilon et Orithie. The air Servez mes feux à vôtre tour features not only some spirited singing but also a vigourous violin accompaniment. Le Berger Fidèle’s Faut-il qu’Amarillis périsse? is an excellent vehicle for Guilmette’s skills, stately and pensive as is the air in question.
Finally, there is the conducting from the harpsichord by Luc Beauséjour, who brings out the best in his continuo. All demonstrate the importance of Rameau whether to opera or to French music.
