Castor & Pollux

Author: Ensemble Pygmalion

Brand: HARMONIA MUNDI

Details: Product Description

Rameau's third opera, Castor & Pollux, was first performed in 1737. It follows the story of twin brothers, the mortal Castor and the immortal Pollux. These famous heroes are both in love with the Princess Telaira but she loves only Castor. When Castor is killed in battle, Pollux, yielding to the pleas of Telaira, journeys to the underworld to take his place. However, Jupiter's divine intervention grants them both immortality. The opera ends as they take their place in the zodiac as the constellation Gemini. Rameau made substantial cuts, alterations and additions to the work for it's revival in 1754. Scholars have long argued over which version is superior. On this release, Raphaël Pichon and the Ensemble Pygmalion make a passionate case for the 1754 edition of one of Rameau's finest works.

Review

Ensemble Pygmalions choir, orchestra and reduced ensemble of two violins, three cellos and two harpsichords play and sing with an uncommon variety of timbre and attack, and with a real sense of engagement with the drama.
-- Editors Choice, BBC Music Magazine

The chorus and orchestra under Raphael Pichon are first-rate... this is a splendid achievement --Gramophone

The performance under the direction of Raphaël Pichon is excellent: clean, precise, refined and airy, cast with largely Francophone singers who have an instinctive understanding of Rameaus rhythmic vocabulary as well as superb clarity of diction.
-- 4 Stars, The Telegraph

a good deal of the success can be attributed to the lovely crisp playing of the period instrument ensemble and the propulsive conducting of its Founding Artistic Director, Raphael Pichon...A very satisfying release in all. --Opera Canada

The performance on this new recording is definitely an enjoyable one...an interpretation that inspires a generous amount of respect for Rameau... --Examiner

EAN: 3149020221228

Release Date: 12-05-2015

Package Dimensions: 5.8 x 5.2 x 1.0 inches

Languages: English

Binding: Audio CD