Antonio Sacchini: Renaud

I think I have heard a total of one aria by Sacchini but I was interested in this link between the likes of Gluck and Spontini and 'Renaud' turned out to be a very enjoyable discovery. The music is light and tuneful. Some of the arias demand an agile voice capable of handling coloratura. The story is interesting, taking place after the end of the 'usual' Armida tale as set by Lully and Gluck. This is what happens after Renaud abandons her and she flies off on her chariot. Christophe Rousset and his Talens Lyrique are (as always) wonderful and he assembles a great cast with strong voices in the principal roles; Julian Dran as Renaud, Marie Kalinine as Armide and Jean-Sebastian Boss as Hidraot. I like the presentation (like an old book) although of course, it does not display well with my other CD boxes. Still, I have two of this series now - the other being the equally fantastic Les Danaides.

This book-cd-set was a bit of a gamble. Not being familiar with Sacchini's work i did not know what to expect. Trusting Les Talens Lyriques and Rousset, i ordered it. After listening to the (grand) French opera twice; i declare this opera a gem.The recording is of high quality as is the performance. Julian Dran as Renaud is at his best. The orchestra and choir... just wow. It is played up tempo and feels/sounds light. The book has some very informative background on the composer. Libretto in French and English.My thanks to all the performers and Palazetto Bru Zane for this great French opera.

I already have the recording of 'Oedipe à Colone' and was impressed with it, so I thought I might venture into this well recommended recording. It was a huge surprise - it is very melodic, light, but also quite in depth at times.. I would compare this to Mozart, and there are certainly similarities in many places. If I didn't know Mozart so well, I could swear that this was a lost composition by him. However this is a masterpiece in its own right, and deserves to be performed on a regular basis.I would invite all to listen to this - you will not be disappointed.

J'ai bien aimé cet opéra -en français-, très bien chanté et bien enregistré, je ne connaissais pas, mais j'ai été agréablement surpris par la musique. Les cd sont présentés dans un petit livre très bien fait, avec des commentaires et l'intégrale du texte chanté. Sous la direction du palais Bru-Zane de Venise. Un très bel objet, un moment musical très intéressant (moins "pompeux" qu'on pourrait le croire).

A classer au rang des découvertes intéressantes, mais d'importance très secondaire dans l'histoire de l'opéra français.La version est difficile à juger (il s'agit d'une première intégrale au disque), mais semble de qualité moyenne comparée à des enregistrement d'opéras de la même époque, notamment Andromaque de Grétry.