Search - Joseph Bodin de Boismortier, Le Concert Spirituel Orchestra & Chorus :: Boismortier: Ballets de Village/Sérénade

Another winner from Herve Niquet and Le Concert Spirituel

David Leeson | 06/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this CD. Herve Niquet, conductor of Le Concert Spirituel, is a champion of the music of J. B. de Boismortier, and when you hear this disc you'll understand why. Boismortier was a skillful but unpretentious composer, and very popular in his day--when his critics accused him of writing music that was too simple and easy, he would shrug and reply, "I make money." "Ballets de Village" is French Baroque music at its best--not very deep or demanding, but pleasant, graceful, and charming from beginning to end. There is nothing profound or tragic here, just pure enjoyment, and at the low Naxos price this disc is an incredible bargain. Each movement is played with great enthusiasm by the Concert: they sound like they're having a great time. This CD is also an interesting novelty: Boismortier's compositions make extensive use of the musette (a type of bagpipe) and the vielle (a type of hurdy-gurdy), which gives this music a rustic, pastoral sound that reminds me of contemporary Celtic music."

Good sample to know Boismortier

Carlos Quintero | Caracas, Venezuela | 10/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
This is really nice music from this neglected composer from french

baroque. It Could be a great selection for a baroque music collection."