The songbook of French baroque composer Jean –Baptiste Lully (1632-1687) is not the first thing you think about in terms of classical music, or music in general. For that reason alone I was intrigued by this release that was composed by Lully at the request of Louis XIV. One of the joys about it is that it reveals a very early Handel sound, with rich yet plaintive melodies and harmonies. Even better are the intriguing vocal sections, which tell the story of a knight who is trying to regain the love of his life. Some themes never change, while the music here gives an intriguing insight to an overlooked composer.
Harmonia Mundi