Charpentier: Trois Histoires Sacrées

Mors Saülis et Jonathae H 403
Sacrificium Abrahae H 402
Dialogus inter angelum et pastores H 406

Il Seminario Musicale/Gérard Lesne

Naive Baroque Voices - E8927

"We are no longer in the chapel but in the theatre..."

These three histoires sacrées show Marc-Antoine Charpentier at the height of his capacities as a composer of dramatic works; veritable operatic compositions.

The libretto of The Death of Saul & Jonathan brought back to mind Charpentier's full length David et Jonathas reviewed several years ago, and its story succeeds the account of David's fight and victory, A Scarlatti's "opera in all but name" - Hyperion).

Abraham's preparation to sacrifice his "obedient son, Isaac" builds up the tension until is called off at the last moment; a scene which inspired one of Britten's most affecting Canticles. The Dialogue between the Angel and the Shepherds before they make haste and hurry to Bethlehem is expansively lyrical, bringing to a satisfying close these three compact operatic scenes. Lesney's group (all are named) excel throughout and this is a classy production.

Newly packaged and offered at mid-price this disc is recommendable with one caveat; the fully comprehensive notes, cast lists,and indispensible texts and translations, are squeezed into the plastic jewelcase with extremely small print, a challenge to ageing eyesight. I have had to resort to a magnifying glass. I do not know the comparative costs, but some companies do use tough, thinner paper, whch allows for the information to be presented twice as large as here.

Peter Grahame Woolf