Customer Reviews

Lully - Grands Motets, Vol. 2 /Gens * Vinson * Fouchecourt * Lamy * Harvey * Le Concert Spirituel * Niquet

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Of the three volumes of Lully that Herve Niquet has recorded (with thanks to Naxos for re-releasing them) this second installment is my favorite, although I recommend the others as well.

There are four substantial "grands motets" included here, which require a baroque orchestra, chorus and a quintet of soloists. The first, Quare fremuerunt, is a jovial piece with energy to spare. The other three, O Lachrymae, Dies irae, and De profundis are all much more subdued and sombre (which I happen to like very much).

For all of his bluster and ruthless domination over the musical scene in Paris, Lully was undoubtedly a very good composer. There are many sublime turns of phrase to be found in these motets, and the energy he is able to generate can be truly exciting.

Part of the reason these works come across so well is the superb performance given here by Le Concert Spirituel. This group has a very good grasp on how to execute the French style, and the playing and singing is nearly flawless. With a group of soloist including Veronique Gens, John-Paul Fouchecourt and Peter Harvey, there is no lack of great singing.

If you like French baroque vocal music, this recording should fit very nicely into your collection, and provide much pleasure. Buy it if you can.

In a successful follow-up to Vol.1, Naxos outdone all yet again with this stunning compilation, part of the Grand Motets series. A bold and grand interpretation, this recording is the undoubted first choice for anyone who wants the best of the best.

Lully was a master of colour, and to this day still finds in the modern listener, an understanding and connectedness that can be said of few other composers of his day. I warmly applaud all of the performers on this album for the sterling example of excellence, and whole-heartedly recommend it to everyone. A solid 5 out of 5.

This recording is one of the best I ever heard on Lully.

It is full of sentiment and the recording, and performances are first rate.

Lully rises to the top and it is a pity that is not performed very often.

The structure is similar to gregorian chants, but with a richer text and voices interact with more creativity.