ANTOINE DAUVERGNE (1713-1797): La Vénitienne.

Description: Dating from 1768, this comédie-ballet was excoriated at the time for its unsuitability for the theatre in which it was performed (which usually put on only tragédie lyriques). Today, we can see it as a fascinating, Janus-like combination of Rameau, Mondonville, Pergolesi and Grétry. A full third of it is devoted to orchestral dances and airs and its mixture of drama and comedy will seem a coup on behalf of its composer. 2 CDs. French-English libretto. Katia Velletaz, Chantal Santon, Kareen Durand, Isabelle Cals (sopranos), Mathias Vidal (tenor), Alain Buet (bass), Namur Chamber Choir, Les Agrémens; Guy Van Waas.