This is one of the first releases from Phoenix Edition, that has formed following the collapse of the Delta Music group (that included Capriccio). If the quality of the releases are as good as that on display, we listeners are in for a treat.

The Rebel "dance symphony" Les Élémens opens with one of the most extraordinary chords in music (especially when one considers the date of composition 1737/8!) and proceeds to expound in a manner not to dissimilar to Haydn's Creation, depicts the uncertainties of the natural world. The subsequent dances that follow show that order was quickly established in the grand manner associated with the late French Baroque era. The L'Orfeo Barockorchester under Michi Gaigg play with great vigour and character that has one tempted into dancing around the listening room!

The main offering is the suite from Rameau's "Castor et Pollux" and this broadly follows the outline of the story told. As before, in the dance movements, the energy and style of the L'Orfeo is infectious and they also get to display more eloquence in their playing when the many movements that reflect the somewhat macabre aspects of the story. The wind soloists phrase the line beautifully, the strings responding in kind so the music becomes a real dialogue. The celebratory dances are great fun and a demonstration of the joy that Rameau's music can bring to the listener.

The sound allows the listener to focus upon the music without distraction, everything is neatly laid out before one and the acoustic is almost "dry" but has just enough warmth to give L'Orfeo a nice sheen to their sound. The percussion in particular have plenty of presence (essential in this music).

An auspicious start for the label and highly recommended.

Copyright © 2008 John Broggio and HRAudio.net

Performance:

Sonics (Multichannel):