Alceste, ou le triomphe d’Alcide
Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687)
Christophe Rousset, direction, clavecin
Judith Van Wanroij, Alceste, La Gloire
Edwin Crossley-Mercer, Alcide
Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Admète, 2e Triton
Ambroisine Bré, Céphise, Nymphe des Tuileries, Proserpine
Douglas Williams, Lycomède, Charon
Étienne Bazola, Cléante, Straton, Pluton, Éole
Bénédicte Tauran, Nymphe de la Marne, Thétis, Diane,
Lucía Martín Cartón, Nymphe de la Seine, Une Nymphe, Une Ombre
Enguerrand de Hys, Lychas, Phérès, Alecton, Apollon, 1er Triton, Suivant de Pluton
Chœur de Chambre de Namur
A masterpiece born of the collaboration of composer Lully and his librettist Quinault, the “tragédie en musique” called Alceste caused a scandal when it was created in 1674. The tragic register was reserved for the theater, while the music was content with the comic vein. But thanks to the combined talents of Lully and Quinault, the stage of the Royal Academy of Music saw the development of the new tragic and lyrical genre.
The chorus and the nine soloists, directed with energy and delicacy by Christophe Rousset, portray their characters with passions true-to-life. Indeed, the libretto is based on a Cornelian dilemma. This timeless and moving theme of a thwarted love is embodied with accuracy. Moreover, the diction is perfect.
It is a reference version that Christophe Rousset and his Talens Lyriques have recorded. An interpretation where theater and music agree with a jubilatory harmony. It is a reference version that Christophe Rousset and his Talens Lyriques have recorded. An interpretation where theater and music agree with a jubilatory harmony.
