By ML94081
15-Jul-2011

A Masterpiece of French Baroque Music  

Marin Marais (1656-1728) is not as well known as his approximate contemporaries Lully and Rameau, but judging by this music, he deserves to.

Sémélé is an opera which was first performed in 1709. This album is a suite of orchestral music from the opera, and if you like French Baroque music -- or any Baroque music -- you'll love this.

If, like me, you believe that nothing beats a good melody, you'll appreciate the continuous supply of wonderful, eminently-singable tunes in the music here. But the orchestration also is first-class -- full of variety -- and the dance music is superb. There really are no weak points in this music, nor are there any weak points in the playing of Montréal Baroque under Wieland Kuijken.

This really is a superb album which you will find yourself listening to again and again. If you're ever tempted to think that all Baroque music sounds the same, you must listen to this album. It's a wonderful surprise!
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