…the five cantatas recorded here combine an Italianate lyrical warmth and brilliance with Gallic grace and fastidiousness of declamation. While the default setting is pastoral charm, with the voice often in colloquy with the amorous warbling flute, Bourgeois conjures moments of vivid drama, especially in Borée and in the highly expressive recitatives for the lovelorn Psyche.

In fresh, free voice, Carolyn Sampson does Bourgeois proud. She understands that airy grace and languid sensuality are of the essence, but never falls into the trap of winsomeness. Singing in clear French, she phrases alluringly…points key words without exaggeration and relishes the opportunities for dramatisation…Le Concert Lorrain are inventive, stylistically acute collaborators, with Alexis Kossenko beguiling in the many flute obbligatos…in such delectable performances they make a very welcome discovery. © 2012 Gramophone Read complete review on Gramophone