Immerse yourself in the opulent world of 18th-century French court music with Les Arts Florissants' captivating album, "La Harpe Reine: Concertos for Harp at the Court of Marie-Antoinette." This exquisite collection, released on November 4, 2016, under the prestigious Harmonia Mundi label, showcases the enchanting performances of Les Arts Florissants, a renowned ensemble dedicated to the interpretation of Baroque and Classical music.
The album is a treasure trove of compositions that were popular during the reign of Marie Antoinette, featuring works by some of the most celebrated composers of the era. The centerpiece is a series of harp concertos, including the delightful Concerto for Harp and Orchestra No. 5 in B-Flat Major, Op. 7 by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, and the charming Concerto for Harp and Orchestra No. 1 in F Major, Op. 9 by Johann Christian Bach. These pieces highlight the harp's versatility and elegance, offering a glimpse into the refined musical tastes of the French aristocracy.
In addition to the harp concertos, the album also includes performances of Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 85 in B-Flat Major, "La Reine," a symphony composed during Haydn's tenure as court composer for the Esterházy family. The symphony's nickname, "La Reine," is a testament to its royal connections and the admiration it received from European royalty.
The album concludes with a performance of the "Danse des esprits bienheureux" from Christoph Willibald Gluck's opera "Orphée et Eurydice," arranged by de Maistre. This ethereal dance number is a perfect example of the operatic grandeur that captivated audiences in the salons of Versailles.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes, this album is a rich and immersive experience that transports you to a bygone era of musical splendor. Les Arts Florissants' meticulous attention to historical detail and their vibrant, expressive performances make this a recording that will delight both Baroque enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
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