Les Passions; Jean-Marc Andrieu

LIGIA LIDI 0202233-11                    

This new recording from Les Passions is devoted to Marc-Antoine Charpentier, two longer works flanking a number of brief but exquisite compositions.

All of the vocal items are for male voices – drawing on the refined tones of counter-tenor Vincent Lievre-Picard, tenor Sebastien Obrecht and bass Jean-Manuel Condenot – while Les Passions  provide both orchestral support and a number of purely instrumental interludes.

Throughout one is aware of the dance rhythms that underpin even the most deeply felt of spiritual text setting. The opening Magnificat has a joyful  ¾ rhythm which is maintained throughout. Similarly Veni creator has a sense of lift and buoyancy in the lightness of the instrumentation. By contrast the pleading tones of the Salve Regina seem almost melancholic within the context.

The brief interludes show what a master Charpentier is of succinct expression, which is always apt for its liturgical function.

As always, Jean-Marc Andrieu  creates a musical world which is at the same time convincingly authentic yet always alive and enchanting to hear.

Details of performances by Les Passions can be found at www.les-passions.fr and details of the Festival at Abbatiale Saint Robert de La Chaise-Dieu can be found in the News section of this site.

BH