Programme
Concerto in F major for harpsichord, D11703
Sonata II in D minor, 3 symphonies for harpsichord, Op.16
Symphony in G major, Op.12 N° 2
Pauline et Henri (excerpts)
Blanche et Vermeille (excerpts)
Alix de Beaucaire (excerpts)
by Henri-Joseph Rigel (1741-1799)
In Canada the Arion ensemble pursues its association with the CMBV, now focusing on the music of Henri-Joseph Rigel, an iconic figure in the world of French music in the 1780’s.
With an insatiable appetite for 17th century French music from Lalande to Gossec, Mathieu Lussier and the Arion ensemble pursue their international partnership with the CMBV. After embarking on music for the King’s supper by Lalande, Destouches, Colin de Blamont and Francoeur, they decided to showcase the great French pre-Romantic musician Henri-Joseph Rigel (1741-1799). Born in Germany, Rigel moved to Paris where he achieved fame for his compositions in all genres - sonata, quartet, concerto, symphony, oratorio and opéra-comique. He gained recognition from his peers and in 1795 became one of the first Professors at the new National Conservatoire in Paris. This selection of symphonic, operatic and concerto music constitutes a really thrilling programme. Recorded for the Atma music label.
