This is a mid-price reissue of the recording on which colleague Rad Bennett lavished well-deserved praise (type Q1325 in search reviews). Sopranos Sandrine Piau and Veronique Gens with Les Talens Lyriques deliver expert performances that equal or better my two other longstanding reference recordings: sopranos Patricia Petibon and Sophie Daneman with Les Arts Florissants (Erato), and soprano Colette Comoy with mezzo-soprano Danielle Herlido accompanied by Antoine Ladrette and Jean-François Fremont (Solstice). Some listeners may prefer William Christie’s less somber-sounding harpsichord (Erato) to Rousset’s more traditional organ continuo, but Rousset’s program generously includes three other equally sublime selections (including Couperin’s famous Magnificat) whereas Christie settles for one brief yet admittedly lovely motet. Fans of Couperin and especially of these excellent works surely will want both! (And while you’re at it, don’t miss Virgin’s reissue of one of Rousset’s earliest recordings–an entire program devoted to Couperin’s motets, also featuring Piau and Les Talens Lyriques, originally recorded for the long-defunct FNAC label–an equally inspired and rewarding gem!) The bottom line here is, if you missed this release in its initial American or European Decca issue, don’t let this bargain Australian Eloquence incarnation elude you this time. Strongly recommended.
