Customer Reviews

Gaultier: La Rethorique Des Dieux

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Of all the recordings of French Baroque lute music, there are two that stand out as truly exceptional. Both feature Hopkinson Smith playing upon the same antique (1644) instrument and were released in the '70's on the Astree label. Sadly, one of them, "Pieces de Luth, Francois DuFaut"(E7735) is currently out of print. The other is this disc. The sublimity of this recording lies in the utter confluence of each and every aspect of it's presentation. Smith is alone in his ability to speak the language of the 17th century French lutenist/composer. He plays an excellent instrument from the precise time of these compositions, which are the apex of Gaultiers' art. The recording is essentially flawless (more fully experienced on the original analogue LP than the CD, but nevertheless...), giving us a clear window to the performance. The lute gives forth the gutty, textured, and expressive sound that Gaultier must have written for...here we have an incredible sense of experiencing the full beauty of these works. A definitive recording in every sense.

I am not an expert, but this is very beautiful music. I listen and it makes me feel at ease, and reverent. I am not religious but this music makes me feel an awe and a calm that I cannot explain. I find myself following with my mind as the music moves throught complex and lovely turns and variations on what started as a simple set of soft tones. I highly recommend this CD.