La Sultanne, a work by Couperin for 4 obligato instruments, is at the centre of this programme, while other masterpieces by Rameau, Rebel and Couperin set the scene. We picture the female sultana surrounded by rich musical flora and fauna, which at times can be taken both literally and metaphorically.
L’amphibie from Couperin’s Pièces de Clavecin might have been one of her more fickle friends, or just a frog perching on a water lily…We also come across an array of flying animals, plants, and the summer wind.
Finally, the pleasure of the outdoors are summed up in JF Rebel’s collection of dances, Les plaisirs champêtres.
Ensemble Molière have gained a reputation as an established early music ensemble.
Their unique combination of instruments provides memorable and creative programmes from the repertoire of the 17th and 18th centuries, all performed on historical instruments.
Ensemble Molière have been selected as the first-ever Radio 3 New Generation Baroque Ensemble for two years from October 2021, a new scheme run in partnership by BBC Radio 3, the National Centre for Early Music and the Royal College of Music.