Editor's choice february 2018 "...But this new version, recorded in the Salle Gaveau, Paris, after performances at the Beaune Festival, eclipses it in polish, theatrical verve, casting and sound quality..." Gramophone A masterpiece born of the collaboration of composer Lully and his librettist Quinault, the “tragédie en musique” called Alceste caused a scandal when it was created in 1674. The tragic register was reserved for the theater, while the music was content with the comic vein. But thanks to the combined talents of Lully and Quinault, the stage of the Royal Academy of Music saw the development of the new tragic and lyrical genre. The chorus and the nine soloists, directed with energy and delicacy by Christophe Rousset, portray their characters with passions true-to-life. Indeed, the libretto is based on a Cornelian dilemma. This timeless and moving theme of a thwarted love is embodied with accuracy. Moreover, the diction is perfect. It is a reference version that Christophe Rousset and his Talens Lyriques have recorded. An interpretation where theater and music agree with a jubilatory harmony. It is a reference version that Christophe Rousset and his Talens Lyriques have recorded. An interpretation where theater and music agree with a jubilatory harmony. Les Talens Lyriques, Chœur de chambre Namur Jean-Baptiste Rousset Emiliano Gonzalez Toro (soloist), Lucía Martín-Cartón (soloist), Ambroisine Bré (soloist), Judith van Wanroij (soloist), Edwin Crossley-Mercer (soloist), Douglas Williams (soloist), Emiliano Gonzales Toro (soloist), Bénédicte Tauran (soloist), Lycomède Douglas (soloist), Enguerrand de Hys (soloist)