Tragédiennes / Véronique Gens (sopraan), Les Talens Lyriques ; Christophe Rousset (dirigent)

Dubbele 10 (voor uitvoering en registratie) op ClassicsToday: "This fascinating recital, filled with rarities from the French Baroque/Classical period, is comprised of a series of monologues by tragic heroines: they're enraged, submissive, and everything in between. Véronique Gens is an amazingly classy singer, incapable of vulgar exclamation, but she still manages to express the full range of emotions required here. Her lower register has gained in volume and thrust and the top of her voice remains free and clear; her classical line, enunciation, and legato are flawless; her mastery of ornamentation is exquisite. Christophe Rousset leads his Talens Lyriques with great elegance and is not afraid of asking them to attack their strings with enough power to set the "terrible" scenes and awaken the feelings. Each selection is riveting: this is a veritable primer in the emotions, styles, and powers of early French opera." (klik op de link voor de complete tekst)