A Portrait of Love: Music for the French Court

Immerse yourself in the opulent world of the French court with Trio Sonnerie's exquisite album, "A Portrait of Love: Music for the French Court." Released in 1993 under the Harmonia Mundi label, this chamber music collection is a testament to the refined tastes and artistic brilliance of the era. Spanning a captivating 74 minutes, the album is a journey through the intricate and elegant compositions that once graced the salons and courts of France.

Trio Sonnerie, renowned for their meticulous attention to historical detail and expressive performance, brings to life a diverse array of works. The album opens with the stately "La Sonnerie de Sainte Geneviève du Mont de Paris," setting the stage for the enchanting "Cantata 'L'Amour piqué par une Abeille'," a multi-movement exploration of love and its complexities. The cantata is followed by the intricate and delightful "Les goûts-réunis, ou Nouveaux concerts," featuring the "Ritratto dell' Amore," a vivid portrait of love in eight distinct movements.

The album also showcases the Trio Sonnerie's mastery of the harpsichord with selections from "Pieces de Clavecin, Book 3, 13th Ordre 'Les Folies Françoises'," a collection of character pieces that range from the tender "La Virginité" to the playful "Les Coucous bénévoles." The dramatic intensity of the cantata "La Mort de Didon" concludes the album, offering a powerful and poignant finale.

With its rich tapestry of sounds and styles, "A Portrait of Love: Music for the French Court" is a celebration of the artistic heritage of the French court, performed with the highest level of skill and passion by Trio Sonnerie. This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in the music of the Baroque period and the refined elegance of the French court.