Performers: Claudine Ansermet (soprano), Paolo Cherici (lute)
Playing time: 70'
Recording date: October 1995 (Bologna)
Pierre Guédron (c.1570-c.1620) was one of the leading composers of French songs in the early 17th century, and one of the more abstract musicians in this new lighter style. His early songs reflect the teachings of Le Jeune and continue into the more declamatory settings of the time. He was named composer to the King's Chamber by Henry IV in 1600, and organized a wide range of activities in that context. Most of the present airs were originally written for the Royal ballets of the time, while the others would have been written for private salons (already established in Paris by this time). They were published in an array of publications ranging from 1608 to 1620.
The present performance adopts the documented practice of the time, namely ornamenting successive verses with virtuoso figures at the discretion of the singer. The liner notes also make a strong case for Guédron as the most important direct predecessor of Lully.
The program also contains lute works by Nicolas Vallet (1575-c.1642), Elias Mertel (c.1560-1626), Robert Ballard (1575-c.1648), and Antoine Francisque (1570-1605) which would have appeared in similar contexts.
Other programs by this duo:
Another recording devoted to Guédron:
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Todd M. McComb