Rameau: Les Indes Galantes (Transcriptions Originales Pour Clavecin) - Kenneth Gilbert / Harmonia Mundi Audio CD 1992 / HMA 1901028

UPC 3149025050649

Product Details

• Label: Harmonia Mundi – HMA 1901028
• Format: CD, Album
• Country: Europe
• Released: 1992
• Genre: Classical

Overview

Jean-Philippe Rameau’s Les Indes Galantes (translated as The Amorous Indies) is a masterpiece of French Baroque opera, originally composed as an opéra-ballet in 1735. With a libretto by Louis Fuzelier, the work features a prologue and four entrées (acts), each depicting tales of love set in exotic locales, including the Ottoman Empire, Peru, Persia, and North America.

This recording features original transcriptions for harpsichord, showcasing the beauty of Rameau’s compositions in a new light. Performed by Kenneth Gilbert, the harpsichord interpretations bring out the intricacy and elegance of Rameau’s music, emphasizing its timeless charm. Highlights include the iconic Danse des Sauvages and the exquisite Chaconne.

Track Listing

1. Ouverture – 4:33
2. Musette En Rondeau – 1:41
3. Air Polonais – 2:18
4. Air Gratieux Pour Les Amours – 2:39
5. Menuets I & II – 3:09
6. Air Pour Les Bostangis – 3:35
7. Gavotte – 1:38
8. Air Des Fleurs, Air Tendre Pour la Rose – 3:07
9. Gavottes Pour Les Fleurs – 2:18
10. Air Pour Borée Et la Rose – 1:30
11. Air Vif Pour Zéphire Et la Rose (Pièce Croisée) – 3:36
12. Air Grave Pour Les Incas Du Pérou – 3:33
13. Gavotte I, Gavotte II En Rondeau – 3:07
14. Air Pour Les Esclaves Africains – 1:31
15. Les Sauvages, Ou Danse Du Grand Calumet de la Paix – 1:56
16. Tambourins I & II – 1:56

Key Credits

• Composer: Jean-Philippe Rameau
• Harpsichord: Kenneth Gilbert

Notable Features

• Transcriptions specifically arranged for the harpsichord, emphasizing the instrumental beauty of Rameau’s compositions.
• Highlights include Danse des Sauvages and the celebrated Chaconne.
• Performed with precision and elegance by harpsichord virtuoso Kenneth Gilbert.