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Editorial Reviews

François Couperin: Les Concerts Royaux is the 40th release on Jordi Savall's Alia Vox label. Savall is no stranger to Couperin, and this marks the fourth disc-long traversal of some aspect of Couperin's literature that Savall has made since 1976. Taking seriously Couperin's own offhand comments about how these pieces were initially played, and the musicians who were involved at the time, Savall has designated a slightly different instrumentation for each of the four "concerts" (or sets) of preludes and dances.

Everything about the presentation and package is spectacular, down to the striking portrait of the musician on the front cover, believed to be Couperin himself. Terrific, detailed liner notes by Savall and Philippe Beaussant are included, in addition to the reproduction of a score page from the original 1722 print of the music. The recording, made at the Abbey of St. Michel in Thiérache, is very nicely made, although one wishes the continuo instruments had a touch more presence in relation to the soloists. The music, and playing, is beautiful, but it just does not have that little spark of additional inspiration normally associated with the best Savall-led performances. Savall' s liner notes state that Le Concert des Nations is "mindful of the responsibilities that the composer laid at the performing musician's door." A little too mindful of these responsibilities, perhaps, as the playing on François Couperin: Les Concerts Royaux is cautious, low key, and seldom kicks into gear. It is dutiful and work-like playing from musicians who are better known for taking risks and delivering excitement, although one is unlikely to find a recording of Couperin's " Concerts Royaux" that hews more closely to the composer's instructions than this one. Uncle Dave Lewis, All Music Guide

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