Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)

[Richard Barrett]

Brum University was not a HIPP paradise but it was definitely hip!

Don't worry Ed, it still is - at least it was the last time I was there four years ago, there was no Rameau but lots of Stockhausen!

[vinteuil]

... this evening is devoted to Le temple de la gloire in a recent Ricercar recording directed by Guy van Waas.

... I see that the Van Waas recording is of the 1746 (second edition) of le Temple de la Gloire.

The blurb on the amazon page for the 2017 performance by McGegan [my #43 above] makes much of the fact that their recording is of the original 1745 edition, and as such is a 'world premiere'.

The Van Waas notes indicate that the recently re-discovered 1745 edn "contains several hundred bars, the equivalent of more than two acts, of music by Rameau" which was previously unknown.

The Van Waas recording (of the 1746 edn) claims that "the music of this revised version is more lyrical than that of the 1745 version... ".

Hmmm. We clearly need both!







.

[verismissimo]

Don't worry Ed, it still is - at least it was the last time I was there four years ago, there was no Rameau but lots of Stockhausen!

Well … Last year at Brum University we had Porpora. Coming soon, Stradella, I'm told.

[MickyD]

... I see that the Van Wass recording is of the 1746 (second edition) of le Temple de la Gloire.

The blurb on the amazon page for the 2017 performance by McGegan [my #43 above] makes much of the fact that their recording is of the original 1745 edition, and as such is a 'world premiere'.

The Van Wass notes indicate that the recently re-discovered 1745 edn "contains several hundred bars, the equivalent of more than two acts, of music by Rameau" which was previously unknown.

The Van Wass recording (of the 1746 edn) claims that "the music of this revised version is more lyrical than that of the 1745 version... ".

Hmmm. We clearly need both!







.

Hmmm, indeed we do - and thanks, Vints, for that info about that complete McGegan recording, I was unaware of it and yes, it must be had!

I overlooked another Glossa complete recording of 'Les Surprises de l'Amour'.

As for 'Les Paladins', there is also a complete (live) recording from a surprising source, that of Konrad Junghanel:



I've been looking at the list of works in the old Girdlestone book about Rameau...it looks like there are still a handful of works to be recorded. Sadly, one major collaboration with Voltaire, 'Samson', is lost and we can only guess what treasures it contained. Wouldn't it be wonderful it it came to light again in some dusty old library?

[vinteuil]

.

... and not forgetting the substantial excerpts from Daphnis et Eglé to be found here -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CXC36PM

.

[Richard Barrett]

Sadly, one major collaboration with Voltaire, 'Samson', is lost and we can only guess what treasures it contained. Wouldn't it be wonderful it it came to light again in some dusty old library?

I understand that a lot of it ended up being recycled into Le Temple de la Gloire and La Princesse de Navarre.

[edashtav]

Don't worry Ed, it still is - at least it was the last time I was there four years ago, there was no Rameau but lots of Stockhausen!

Phew: I can't imagine hiw Tony Lewis orvhis Reader, the recently departed John Joubert wouldnhave coped but, to be fair, they accommodated Noelle Barker in a major Song Cycle by Messaien and responded better to Birtwistle's earlyvRefrains and Choruses than I did at the time.

[Bryn]

Don't worry Ed, it still is - at least it was the last time I was there four years ago, there was no Rameau but lots of Stockhausen!

And most recently a 50th-anniversary performance of Howard Skempton's Drum No. 1.

[Richard Barrett]

I have Les fêtes de l'Hymen et de l'Amour and Les Fêtes de Polymnie lined up for today's listening.

The first of these is about two thirds of the way through. I was just about to write that it doesn't show Rameau at his most inventive and very many turns of phrase are stock Rameauisms, but then some beautiful things started happening so yes, it has its not so inspired moments but in the end it's essential for the Rameau aficionado. Strangely though, Les fêtes is available on Qobuz (which is where I'm listening to it) but Les surprises de l'amour isn't, although both are on the same label. I wonder why that would be.

[MickyD]

This is also worth having - Capella Savaria recorded dances from it for Naxos, but here is a complete live performance from Hugo Reyne.

[vinteuil]

.

... thanks for that, Micky : I suspect that my 'demon of completeness' means I shall acquire it - tho' I have been disappointed by other stuff Hugo Reyne and la Simphonie du Marais have done. Which is a shame, because they have recorded acres and acres of Lully - which I so wanted to like. Fortunately we now have Lully in fine performances by Rousset, Niquet, Christie, Herreweghe....

.

[MickyD]

You're welcome, Vints...we share the same weakness! Yes, it's not an ideal performance by any means, but there is quite a sense of occasion, it being a live recording.

Are you also aware of this other acte de ballet, 'Sibaris'? Again, not really an outstanding performance, but worth acquiring just to get to know it:

[Richard Barrett]

Are you also aware of this other acte de ballet, 'Sibaris'? Again, not really an outstanding performance, but worth acquiring just to get to know it

I certainly wasn't aware of it, but I'm listening now: very nice - a bit of routine material here and there but as usual plenty of inspired moments too. Thanks for that pointer.

[MickyD]

You're welcome, Richard.

We need a new recording of the complete cantatas. There was quite a good one on 2 CDs from ASV Gaudeamus with Gary Cooper directing, but that is now unavailable and I kick myself for not getting hold of it. It would be good to see someone such as Rousset and other French artists doing them.

[doversoul1]

I very much enjoyed this Composer of the Week but could have done without a very long performance on the piano in the last programme.