Rohff Sérieux

The French Baroque air has not been much recorded, even in comparison with the earlier strophic air de cour. But the veteran ensemble Les Arts Florissants, under American-French director William Christie, having brought exposure to a good deal of previously unknown French music, is not slowing down in this regard, and this delightful collection of "serious and drinking airs" might well stimulate other performers to explore the repertory.

If music be the food of love…With this second volume of airs sérieux and airs à boire, William Christie continues his exploration of this vast repertory of song settings of lyric and pastoral poetry, here focussing on such masters of the genre as Boesset, Moulinié, Lambert, and Le Camus. Presented by his expert team of singers and instrumentalists, these exquisite miniatures – amongst which is ingeniously interspersed Charpentier’s charming Pastoraletta – reveal all the nuances of the being in love. A delightful compendium enhanced by the superb artistry of the performers.