Recorded at Notre Dame du Liban, Paris, in February 2007
Shannon Mercer (Sémélé), Bénédicte Tauran (Dorine), Jaël Azzaretti (La Grande Prêtresse de Bacchus), Hjördis Thébault (Junon), Anders J. Dahlin (Adraste), Thomas Dolié (Jupiter), Lisandro Abadie (Mercure) & Marc Labonnette (Cadmus) Le Concert Spirituel, Hervé Niquet For his latest recording directing Le Concert Spirituel, Hervé
Niquet has revived Sémélé by Marin Marais - the final opera by one of the leading composers from the reign
of Louis XIV. Known for his compositions for viola da gamba, Marais was also the author of a number of
tragédies lyriques which he wrote for the Académie royale de Musique. However, only Alcyone has attracted
any attention. Sémélé, first performed in 1709, has music to charm and seduce: a sparkling prologue honouring
Bacchus, a set of arias with freshly-minted appeal, a marvellously inventive diabolical scene; all leading up to an
earthquake scene that anticipates the later work of Rameau. For all lovers of baroque music, here is the
opportunity to discover and enjoy a masterpiece which has lain in the shadows for the last three centuries. “Niquet’s Concert Spirituel revels in this wonderfully representational music; the cast, headed by Shannon Mercer in the title role, with Thomas Dolié as Jupiter and Anders J Dahlin as Sémélé’s betrothed, Adraste, is always stylish. The noble bass baritone of the youthful Marc Labonette makes an outstanding impression.” Sunday Times, 20th April 2008 **** “Marais conjures up a brilliant succession of choruses, sensuous solos, dramatic ensembles, descriptive symphonies, ceremonial marches and dances. Hervé Niquet directs a tense, visceral performance, highlighting the all-pervasive influence of dance rhythms and the drive of the action. Mercer's Semele seduces and smouldering Jupiter (Thomas Dolié) succumbs. The results are dazzling.” BBC Music Magazine, June 2008 ***** “Niquet's performance with Le Concert Spirituel has real buoyancy and expressive flexibility.” The Guardian  BBC Music Magazine
Opera Choice - June 2008 |
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