If Rameau was aware of the larger-scaled possibilities inherent in his often-colorful keyboard works, the fact is that he rarely explored them. His only unified published example is his Pieces de Clavecin en Concerts, a series of five chamber settings originally scored for solo harpsichord. As it turns out however, Rameau had a very enthusiastic fan–Jacques-Joseph-Marie Decroix (1746-1826)–who not only amassed the largest, most important collection of material related to the composer, but very convincing evidence (the scores are annotated “Decroix 1768”) suggests that he also was responsible for the orchestral transcriptions offered here. Whatever the case, this stunning premiere recording by Christophe Rousset and Les Talens Lyriques of six straightforward and simple arrangements complements Rameau with expert, stylish performances that remain true to each work’s original character while heightening their impact with fresh, often compelling orchestration.
The first five of the six Concerts offered are Decroix’s arrangements of the Pieces de Clavecin en Concert with the sixth compiled from four movements of Rameau’s Nouvelles Suites for harpsichord 1729-30. The familiar curt opening figure of La Coulicam from the Premier Concert now advances with an elegant yet imposing grandeur. Le Vezinet from the same Concert swings with a previously-unheard panache and vigor. The L’Agacante and especially the Menuets from the second Concert also benefit from the additional heft with subtle yet sweeping gestures that Rameau’s chamber instrumentation (a quartet of flute, violin, viola da gamba, and harpsichord) would find impossible to match. Rousset’s forces also make the brisk, sharply delineated rhythms of the L’Indiscrete and following La Rameau movements of the fourth Concert sound as if they anticipate the snappier symphonic efforts of Mozart and Haydn.
Though it lacks just that extra little bit of sonic detail to rank with today’s finest recordings, Decca’s sound nevertheless is very fine, especially in its full-bodied presentation of the orchestra. If you love Rameau or music of this period in general, don’t miss this one. [7/14/2004]
