Orfeo Orchestra & Gyorgy Vashegyi - Jean-Baptiste Cardonne: Omphale (CD)

The stylish energy and outstanding taste with which conductor György Vashegyi presents his interpretations of Baroque French masterpieces, which had largely been forgotten since their premiere, place him among the ranks of the great rediscoverers of recent decades, including William Christie, Hervé Niquet and Christophe Rousset, to name but a few. The fact that he works from Budapest with his ensembles Orfeo Orchestra and Purcell Choir, which are mainly composed of Hungarian musicians, makes the undertaking even more fascinating. But let us not forget, of course, that all these 'French Baroque projects' are supported by the Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles, which also promote the participation of first-class vocal soloists specialising in French Baroque, such as those we find on this new recording on Glossa. Chantal Santon Jeffery, Judith van Wanroij, Reinoud Van Mechelen, Jérôme Boutillier and Jehanne Amzal join forces with these magnificent instrumentalists, singers and conductor to present us with a Wonderful recording of a very late Baroque work: Omphale by Jean-Baptiste Cardonne. The plot can be read anywhere (including in the Glossa booklet!), but it is not far from what one would expect. Enjoy the wonderful arias, instrumental interludes and choral pieces. The Baroque was close to come to an end in 1769, and this is a last opportunity.