The integration of dance and pantomime into the dramatic structure of operatic performances was a hallmark of the French Baroque style and, inherently, of Jean-Philippe Rameau, one of its most illustrious representatives. This resulted in shows whose scenic richness went far beyond the plots and vocal skills of the singers. They were divertissements and illustrative interludes; in Tragédies Lyriques such as Hippolyte et Aricie or Dardanus. They were entrées and fixed dances like the chaconne and the sarabanda; in Opéras-Ballets like Les Indes galantes and Le temple de la gloire. This formed an immense legacy of instrumental pieces with surprising orchestral effects, rhythmic and harmonic solutions that are enchanting in their own right. In this program, harpsichordist Miguel Jalôto takes the lead with the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra to perform a bouquet of some of the most dazzling pages that Rameau dedicated to the orchestra.
À Grande e à Francesa
Orquestra Metropolitana de Lisboa
Orchestral Suites by Jean-Philippe Rameau
Fernando Miguel Jalôto musical direction and harpsichord
