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Subjects for cantatas normally are taken from mythology or familiar tragic epics. However, this unique program consists of three cantatas with subjects drawn from the Old Testament instead of mythology. The “Cantate Spirituelle” genre is, to our knowledge, little used: there are not even studies on the subject. Though the repertoire of this genre is small, the quality of this striking music is great. This program highlights the dramatic cantatas Judith, The Fall of Salomon, and of course Le Passage de la Mer Rouge (The Crossing of the Red Sea) by the three sole composers of this genre, Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, Sébastien de Brossard, and René Drouart de Bousset.

Musica Dei Donum CD reviews - Johan van Veen

 

"This disc [K617 - Le Passage de la Mer Rouge] deserves nothing but praise. First of all, we get acquainted here with a little-known genre...nothing of De Bousset has ever been recorded before. Also highly commendable is the fact that the pronunciation of the French texts is strictly historical. Luanda Siqueira has a beautiful voice, and sings with great understanding and much expression. She also deals admirably with the dramatic elements of De Bousset's cantata. The instrumentalists give fine performances of the instrumental parts of the cantatas and trio sonatas."

"Muse Baroque, Monique Parmentier"

 

The CD Le Passage de la Mer Rouge is in fact a recording of a concert first given by the ensemble Le Tendre Amour during the Festival International de Musique de Sarrebourg in the summer of 2009…The musicians underline the effects with beautiful colors, offering a brilliant interpretation of the music of Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre. From the glorious oboe to the deep basse de violon, to the violin that excites the anger of the Pharoah, to the harpsichord that surprises us with joy, all participate in the musical mise-en-scène. Light tempos and the spicy timbre of soprano Luanda Siqueira reveal theatrical subtlety. Music becomes a sweet refuge, a companion to symbolize joy."