Les Indes Galantes (2005)

"Les lndes galantes consists of a prologue and four entrées, three of the latter depicting Europeans in exotic places. As in Mozart's Die Entführung, there is an implication that the civilisation of the 'Indies' is equal, and even superior, to that of the supposedly enlightened Europeans. The prologue features bewigged dancers in 18thcentury costume but this is no recreation of contemporary practice. Here, a minaret walks across the stage; there, a herd of bison join in the dance. The production, designs and choreography are an absolute joy. The singers include Paul Agnew as Valère, whose lively 'Hâtez-vous de vous embarquer' bears a startling resemblance to 'Scacciata dal suo nido' from Handel's Rodelinda of 10 years earlier. Nathan Berg rages eloquently as the villainous Huascar in 'Les Incas'. Most magnificent is the dance of the pipe of peace: led by Patricia Petibon and Nicolas Rivenq, and joined after the curtain calls by the whole company, it is foot-tappingly memorable." (Richard Lawrence, Gramophone)