Rameau - Les Grands Motets / Daneman, Rime, Agnew, Rivenq, Cavallier, Les Arts Florissants, Christie
Rameau's grands motets were written for concert performance; the florid solos, grand choruses and important orchestral participation are very reminiscent of French Baroque opera. The motets are, however, much more interesting to the casual listener: there is no recitative; the arias, duo and trios are full of extended melody and ornament; the choruses have an unusual amount of counterpoint (including the occasional fugue). William Christie and Les Arts Florissants perform this music with all the grace and authority one could wish for. Special mention: each motet begins with a movement for solo voice with flute(s) and strings--the singing of Paul Agnew and Sophie Daneman in these movements is delectable.--Matthew Westphal