John Eliot Gardiner, a celebrated conductor known for his dynamic interpretations and deep musical insight, presents "The Blossoming Conductor," a captivating journey through the baroque and classical repertoires. Set for release on March 6, 2025, via Warner Classics, this album is a testament to Gardiner's mastery and his ability to breathe new life into timeless compositions.
Spanning over two hours, this collection features a rich tapestry of works by some of the most influential composers in history, including Purcell, Handel, Bach, Rameau, Gluck, and more. The album is a diverse exploration of choral, classical, and operatic masterpieces, showcasing Gardiner's versatility and the exceptional artistry of the ensembles he conducts.
From the lively "Rondeau" by Purcell to the majestic "Dixit Dominus" by Handel, each track is a display of intricate composition and profound emotion. The album also includes lesser-known gems like Leclair's "Air gracieux" and Massenet's "Scènes pittoresques," offering a fresh perspective on the classical canon.
Gardiner's meticulous attention to detail and his deep understanding of historical performance practices shine through in every piece. Whether it's the delicate grace of Bach's "Badinerie" or the dramatic intensity of Gluck's "Don Juan," Gardiner's interpretations are both authentic and innovative.
"The Blossoming Conductor" is not just a collection of music; it's a celebration of the Baroque and Classical eras, brought to life by one of the most respected conductors of our time. This album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the richness of classical music and the brilliance of John Eliot Gardiner's conducting.
Purcell: Abdelazer, Z. 570: II. RondeauHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Bach, JS: Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: VII. BadinerieJohann Sebastian Bach, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Rameau: Les Fêtes d'Hébé, Troisième entrée "La Danse": RigaudonJean-Philippe Rameau, Monteverdi Orchestra, John Eliot Gardiner
Leclair: Scylla et Glaucus, Op. 11, Prologue: Air gracieuxJean-Marie Leclair, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Air. "Hence vain deluding joys"George Frideric Handel, John Eliot Gardiner, Patrizia Kwella, English Baroque Soloists
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 33: Theme. Moderato semplicePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, John Eliot Gardiner, Steven Isserlis, Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Gluck: Don Juan, Wq. 52: III. AndanteChristoph Willibald Gluck, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Handel: Concerto grosso in B-Flat Major, Op. 3 No. 1, HWV 312: III. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act 3: Prelude - Chorus. "See, See, We Assemble" - Dance (Chorus)Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists
Rameau: Les Fêtes d'Hébé, Troisième entrée "La Danse": Ritournelle gayeJean-Philippe Rameau, Monteverdi Orchestra, John Eliot Gardiner
Purcell: The Indian Queen, Z. 630, Act 2: Air. "What Flattering Noise Is This?" (Envy, Two Followers)Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Ashley Stafford, David Thomas, Martyn Hill, English Baroque Soloists
Leclair: Scylla et Glaucus, Op. 11, Prologue: "Ciel ! Quels attentats furieux !" (Chef des peuples, Chœur, Les Propétides)Jean-Marie Leclair, John Eliot Gardiner, Andrew Murgatroyd, The Monteverdi Choir, Nicolas Robertson, René Schirrer, English Baroque Soloists
Rameau: Les Fêtes d'Hébé, Troisième entrée "La Danse": Petit chœur. "Le charmant art d'Eglé" (Chœur, Mercure)Jean-Philippe Rameau, Monteverdi Orchestra, John Eliot Gardiner, Jean-Claude Orliac, The Monteverdi Choir
Purcell: The Tempest, Z. 631, Act 3: Song. "Kind Fortune Smiles" (Ariel)Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Carol Hall, Monteverdi Orchestra
Scarlatti, D: Stabat Mater in C Minor: VII. Juxta crucemDomenico Scarlatti, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Air. "Haste thee, nymph"George Frideric Handel, John Eliot Gardiner, Martyn Hill, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act 2: Chorus. "Come, Shepherds, Lead up a Lively Measure" - Hornpipe (Chorus)Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists
Rameau: Les Fêtes d'Hébé, Troisième entrée "La Danse": Musette en rondeau (Reprise)Jean-Philippe Rameau, Monteverdi Orchestra, John Eliot Gardiner
Gluck: Don Juan, Wq. 52: I. Sinfonia - AllegroChristoph Willibald Gluck, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628: OvertureHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Gluck: Don Juan, Wq. 52: XX. ModeratoChristoph Willibald Gluck, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Couperin, F: L'apothéose de Lully: VIII. Accüeil entre-doux et agard, fait à Lulli par Corelli, et par les muses italiénesFrançois Couperin, John Eliot Gardiner
Handel: Concerto grosso in D Minor, Op. 3 No. 5, HWV 316: II. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Massenet: Suite d'orchestre No. 4 "Scènes pittoresques": II. Air de balletJules Massenet, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre National de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo
Rameau: Les Fêtes d'Hébé, Troisième entrée "La Danse": Tambourin en rondeauJean-Philippe Rameau, Monteverdi Orchestra, John Eliot Gardiner
Handel: Concerto grosso in F Major, Op. 3 No. 4, HWV 315: III. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Purcell: The Indian Queen, Z. 630, Act 3: "We the Spirits of the Air" (Third Aerial Spirit, Fourth Aerial Spirit, Chorus)Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Gillian Fisher, The Monteverdi Choir, Rosemary Hardy, English Baroque Soloists
Massenet: Suite d'orchestre No. 6 "Scènes de féerie": IV. BacchanaleJules Massenet, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre National de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo
Purcell: The Indian Queen, Z. 630: Overture. AllegroHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Handel: Israel in Egypt, HWV 54: Chorus. "He smote all the first-born of Egypt"George Frideric Handel, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir, Monteverdi Orchestra
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act 2: Song and Chorus. "Hither, This Way, This Way Bend" (Philidel, Chorus)Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Gillian Fisher, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists
Handel: Israel in Egypt, HWV 54: Air. "Their land brought forth frogs"George Frideric Handel, John Eliot Gardiner, Ashley Stafford, Monteverdi Orchestra
Purcell: The Indian Queen, Z. 630, Act 2: Symphony. AdagioHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Massenet: Suite d'orchestre No. 4 "Scènes pittoresques": I. MarcheJules Massenet, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre National de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act 1: Song and Chorus. "Come If You Dare" - First Act Tune (British Warrior, Chorus)Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir, Paul Elliott, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: Funeral Sentences: Man That Is Born of a Woman, Z. 27Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir, Monteverdi Orchestra
Gluck: Don Juan, Wq. 52: XXXI. Allegro non troppoChristoph Willibald Gluck, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Handel: Israel in Egypt, HWV 54: Air with Chorus. "And the children of Israel"George Frideric Handel, John Eliot Gardiner, Christopher Royall, The Monteverdi Choir, Monteverdi Orchestra
Purcell: The Tempest, Z. 631: OvertureHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Monteverdi Orchestra
Handel: L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55, Pt. 1: Air and Chorus. "Or let the merry bells" - "And young and old come"George Frideric Handel, John Eliot Gardiner, Michael Ginn, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: The Tempest, Z. 631, Act 5: Duet and Chorus. "No Stars Again Shall Hurt You" (Amphitrite, Neptune, Chorus)Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Jennifer Smith, The Monteverdi Choir, Stephen Varcoe, Monteverdi Orchestra
Massenet: Suite d'orchestre No. 6 "Scènes de féerie": I. CortègeJules Massenet, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre National de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo
Bizet: L'Arlésienne, Op. 23, WD 28, Act 1: PréludeGeorges Bizet, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 3 in G Major, HWV 350: III. Minuets I & IIGeorge Frideric Handel, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Handel: Dixit Dominus, HWV 232: I. Dixit Dominus, Domino meoGeorge Frideric Handel, John Eliot Gardiner, Charles Brett, Felicity Palmer, John Angelo Messana, The Monteverdi Choir, Monteverdi Orchestra
Purcell: Funeral Sentences: In the Midst of Life, Z. 17AHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists
Gluck : Iphigénie en Aulide : Overture to Act 1Christoph Willibald Gluck, John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre de l'Opéra de Lyon
Gesualdo: Sacrarum cantionum liber primus a 5: No. 3, Ave dulcissima MariaCarlo Gesualdo, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Handel: Water Music Variants, HWV 331: No. 2 in F Major, Alla HornpipeGeorge Frideric Handel, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Handel: Semele, HWV 58, Act 1: Chorus. "Lucky omens bless our rites" - Recitative, Air and Duet. "Daughter obey" (Priests, Cadmus, Athamas)George Frideric Handel, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir, Robert Lloyd, Timothy Penrose, English Baroque Soloists