Venice to Versailles
Venice and Versailles were two of the most important centres for the arts in Europe during the Baroque period. They represent the two dominant and contrasting styles of music: Venice, the robust, joyous exuberance and barocco character of the Italian style, and Versailles, the refinement, delicacy, elegance and douceur of the French.
The title Venice to Versailles evokes the idea of a journey or the movement from one place (or state) to another. The works recorded here certainly present an intriguing musical journey through the diversity of instrumental chamber music of the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries: sets of variations on vocal works and ground basses, dances, sonatas and suites from Italy and France. On another level, the 'affections' or 'passions' - universal states of the soul, such as rage, melancholy, joy or mystic exaltation - of the attentive listener will be moved.
The complete historical notes for this CD are available online here.
Artist
Elysium Ensemble
The Elysium Ensemble has been acclaimed by critics for its exciting performances, fine musicianship and authoritative interpretations of music from the Baroque and Classical repertoire.
Press quotes
“What a delight! ... their sound is perfection personified, a marvellous soul-searching selection of melodies which reach into the heart.” ★★★★★
— Chris Copas, The Star
“an interesting package ... some beautiful moments”
— Marie Ritter, Early Music Review
“Yet once again, Elysium Ensemble shows their mastery of the French baroque style with its subtlety, elegance and sophistication ... a touch of vigour and liveliness to brighten anyone's day.”
— Caroline Downer, Cinnamon Sticks
“A nice compilation of Italian and French repertoire ... playing at its finest ... the obvious pleasure the musicians take in playing this music.”
— Hilary Shrubb, ABC 24 Hours
“I do not know what to say ... I think it's magic.”
— Thomas Bell, 4SRB FM
“This is music to warm heart and soul on the bitterest winter night ... ranging in mood from solemn to sparkling ... performed consummately”
— Bob Crimeen, Sunday Herald Sun
“"worthy in conception, style and learning ... subtle pleasures ... the playing is stylish, sensitive and intelligently informed ... a testament to the sophistication of Australia's knowledge of early music”
— Peter McCallum, Sydney Morning Herald
“A pleasant, easy-listening, well recorded and recommended CD”
— Neville Olliffe, Early Music News
Audio previews
Track Listing
- Ricercata Quarta 2:51
- Susanne ung jour (after Roland de Lassus) 4:05
- Frais et gaillard (after Clemens non Papa) 3:34
- Toccata No. 3 2:14
- Sonata Prima à sopran solo Dario Castello 5:04
- Sonata à 3 Giovanni Paolo Cima 3:32
- Recercada Ottava - Recercada Segunda Diego Ortiz 3:59
- Aria sopra la Bergamasca Marco Uccellini 4:14
- Ouverture
- Allemande
- Rondeau-Les Tourterelles
- Gigue
- 8:41
- 12:43
- Muséte de Choisi and Muséte de Taverni François Couperin 6:06
Pemière Suite de pièces a deux dessus ... (Paris, 1712) Jacques Hotteterre
Suite in A minor
Troisième Suite Pièces pour la flûte-traversière … (Paris, 1708) Jacques Hotteterre
Performers
Composers
François Couperin
Couperin belonged to a family of several composers from the mid-17th to mid-19th centuries. He was organist in the chapel of Louis XIV at Versailles, and was the gratest French master of the harpsichord.
Availability
Venice to Versailles can be purchased online through Buywell Just Classical or the Australian Music Centre who both offer secure online ordering.
This title is also available in (or can be ordered through) many fine music retailers across Australia, including Thomas’, Discurio and Readings.
Product details
- List price
- $26.00 AUD
- Total playing time
- 57 minutes 3 seconds
- Category
- Early music
- Catalogue number
- MD 3260
- Barcode
- EAN 9314574326024
