Le Concert des Nations/Jordi Savall (viola da gamba) Alia Vox AVSA 9877 *****

The concert series

Le Concert Spirituel

, which operated in Paris from 1725 until the French Revolution, originally stemmed from a desire to circumvent the banning of profane music during Lent and on religious holidays. The repertoire ranged well beyond the spiritual and the institution marked an important stage in the development of the concert as we know it today.

Jordi Savall’s celebration with his Concert des Nations of composers who featured during the reign of Louis XV includes a concerto grosso by Corelli (Op 6 No 4), a suite from Rameau’s

Les Indes Galantes

, and three pieces by Telemann: an Ouverture with viola da gamba solo, a concerto for recorder and viola da gamba, and the Ouverture and Suite in E minor from

Tafelmusik

. This hugely varied repertoire is delivered in performances of real vitality and flair.

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