The eclectic classical mix

“'Hippolyte et Aricie' (1733), Jean-Philippe Rameau's first opera, created quite the controversy between the defenders of his new approach and the partisans of Lully's tradition . André Campra famously declared: "There is enough music in this opera to make ten of them; this man will eclipse us all". Follows Manuel Ponce's 'Scherzino mexicano', written in 1909 for two pianos and arranged here for guitar, and the 1882 Cello Concerto by Marie Jaëll, who had, according to Liszt, "the brains of a philosopher and the hands of an artist". 'Água do vintém' by composer Chiquinha Gonzagua, is inspired by the waters of the Vintém fountain, quite popular in Rio de Janeiro at the time, before the remodelling of the city in the early 20th century. We then hear a traditional song, 'Noquonqo', in a recent version by Somi and the vocal ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a piece also famously recorded by Letta Mbulu and Miriam Makeba. 'Cinema Paradiso', a 1988 film directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, tells the story of young boy who falls in love with the art of cinema, thanks to the projectionist of his village theatre. We hear Renaud Capuçon performing the 'Love Theme' from the beautiful score by Ennio Morricone, before 19th-century composer Louise Farrenc's Clarinet Trio, a classic piece to all clarinet players, and Francis Poulenc's Sonata for horn, trumpet and trombone, originally composed in 1922. Claudin de Sermisy is a Renaissance composer celebrated for his chansons, as well as sacred music. 'Tant que vivray', published in 1527, is one his songs, quite popular at the time, often short and performed generally by four voices. We finish with Johann Strauss II's 'Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka', which mocks the gossips in the Viennese society. _____________ Producer: Julien Rosa”