How delightful to have a superb new CD recording of the Concert dans Le Goût Théâtral–and more! Offered here is an informed reconstruction comprised of what remains of this hypothetical “acte de ballet” augmented with music chosen by Capriccio Stravagante’s “man in charge” Skip Sempé (Sempé doesn’t like the term conductor, as is perhaps a bit excessively explained in the notes). The missing Chaconne was replaced by an arrangement of Couperin’s L’Amphibie originally composed for two harpsichords; the missing vocal parts were replaced by Couperin’s complete Airs de cour; and instrumentation often is doubled (this is Capriccio Stravagante’s first “orchestral” recording). The program’s alternating arrangement of the instrumental and vocal sequences was chosen in a manner customary for the time. According to Sempé, the resulting “light divertissement” aims to “…recreate a world that would do justice to Monsieur François Couperin and his Illustrious Musical Theatre”.
All hyperbole aside, Sempé and his colleagues succeed famously. From the opening impassioned Prologue march, and throughout every one of these lively instrumental and vocal settings, all the grandeur, opulence, superfluity, and outright splendor of the French court is convincingly captured. I especially enjoyed how the Ritournelle preceding the first divertissement and the opening Air and subsequent vocal Canons of the third divertissement provide striking contrasts in how to manipulate the dance to fulfill the work’s dramatic purpose. The vocalists expertly communicate the solicitous extravagance required to successfully negotiate these often silly scenes. The concluding “Trois vestales et trois poliçons” (Three Virgins and Three Lusty Lads) of the fourth divertissement in particular is rendered to great effect by sopranos Karina Gauvin, Sandrine Rondot, and Isabelle Desrochers. As usual, Astrée’s sonics and overall presentation are second to none. Also as usual, the always outspoken Sempé provides a spirited “backstage” interview in addition to Gaetan Naulleau’s informative notes. This is a grand, imaginatively conceived program that should not be missed.
