JEAN-BAPTISTE LULLY (1632-1687): Bellérophon.

Description: Premiered in January 1679, this tragédie lyrique was Lully's first work to be published and the first to use accompanied recitative. In addition, the libretto offers more than the usual opportunity for dramatic use of the chorus and stage machinery for its supernatural events. "The result is a richly metaphysical drama, in which Lully's imagination glides easily between heaven, earth and Amisodar's inferno-cum-laboratory. Excitably and excitingly conducted by Christophe Rousset, the recording is sensational. Cyril Auvity, sexy and heroic, is stupendous as Bellérophon, and there's strong singing from Ingrid Perruche's Stenobée, Jean Teitgen's slime-ball Amisodar and Céline Scheen as Philonoé, the princess whom Bellérophon really loves. Wonderful." - The Guardian (April 7, 2011). 2 CDs. French-English libretto. Cyril Auvity (countertenor), Ingrid Perruche (soprano), Jean Teitgen (bass), Namur Chamber Choir, Les Talens Lyriques; Christophe Rousset.