Marc-Antoine Charpentier, one of the composers on this album, revealed something of himself only in his work Epitaphium Carpentarii, as he was otherwise very discreet.
Compositional Technique
Charpentier used specific tonal colors to convey emotion, such as C minor for "obscure and sad" and F minor for "obscure and melancholy," as described in his own treatise.
Compositional Technique
Charpentier's "Airs sérieux" follow the French vocal tradition of court melodies, characterized by conciseness and simplicity, with expressive and ornamental expansion.
Compositional Technique
Charpentier's Orphée descendant aux enfers is likely the first French cantata, combining French declamation with rich Italian harmony.
Album & Artwork
This album is a re-release of Henri Ledroit's recordings for Ricercar, completing the re-release of all his works for the label.
Performer Biography
Henri Ledroit, the countertenor on this album, was one of the first artists to trust Ricercar, the record label, when it launched in 1980.
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