Iphigénie en Tauride
Henry Desmarest / André Campra
A rare work begun by Desmarest and completed by Campra, two composers representing the French Golden Age of the Grand Siècle.
Véronique Gens | Iphigénie
Reinoud Van Mechelen | Pylade
Thomas Dolié | Oreste
David Witczak | Thoas
Olivia Doray | Electre
Floriane Hasler | Diane
Tomislav Lavoie | L’Ordonnateur / L’Océan
Antonin Rondepierre | Un habitant de Délos / Triton / Le Grand Sacrificateur
Jehanne Amzal | Isménide, Première habitante de Délos / Première nymphe / Première prêtresse
Marine Lafdal-Franc | Deuxième habitante de Délos / Deuxième nymphe / Deuxième prêtresse
Hervé Niquet | direction
Orchestre et Chœur Le Concert Spirituel
As a model example of lyrical tragedy in the French style (5 acts and a prologue), this Iphigénie was begun by Desmarest, completed a few years later by Campra, and premiered at the Académie Royale de musique in 1704. Gifted and precocious Henry Desmarest (1661-1741) had a glittering career ahead of him in the service of Louis XIV, but his life took an unexpected turn when personal circumstances forced him into exile, leaving the work unfinished. His scores in the French musical landscape of the era were characterised in particular by many foreign influences to which he was exposed during his extensive European travels. The sensitivity and virtuosity of his works make him one of the most remarkable composers of his generation. André Campra, who was born in Aix-en-Provence in 1660 and died in Versailles in 1744, also played a leading role on the French opera and sacred music scene. As Master of Music at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, then at the French Royal Academy and the Royal Chapel at Versailles, he occupied key roles which afforded him considerable influence during his lifetime. For this invitation to discover this joint composition, Hervé Niquet has once again assembled a trusted team of singers well-versed in this repertoire
Coproduction Théâtre des Champs-Elysées | Le Concert Spirituel |
Centre de musique baroque de Versailles
