Apotheosis Orchestra & Korneel Bernolet - Rameau & Benda: Pygmalion (2019) [Official Digital Download 24/88]

With Cupid’s assistance, the sculptor Pygmalion brings his beloved creation to life. This recording treats us to two versions of the celebrated story. Jean-Philippe Rameau’s familiar one-act opera Pigmalion, in which the deus ex machina fulfils Pygmalion’s desires, is followed by Georg Benda’s little-known gem of the same name: a gripping monodrama for spoken voice and orchestra in which we can imagine the sculptor undergoing an inner conflict between desire and reality. Rising star Korneel Bernolet conducts his Apotheosis Orchestra and a group of young vocal partners: the Canadian haute-contre Philippe Gagné sings the passionate Pigmalion in Rameau’s opéra-ballet, alongside Lieselot De Wilde as his wife Céphise and Caroline Weynants as the divine Amour.

Morgane Heyse performs the role of the enchanted Statue in both versions. German bass-baritone Norman Patzke makes his debut as voice actor for Benda’s monodrama.

Tracklist:
1. Pigmalion, RCT 52: I. Ouverture 04:34
2. Pigmalion, RCT 52: II. Fatal amour (. Pigmalion) 03:24
3. Pigmalion, RCT 52: III. . Pigmalion, est-il possible (Céphise, . Pigmalion) 04:10
4. Pigmalion, RCT 52: IV. D'où naissent ces accords (. Pigmalion, La Statue) 05:02
5. Pigmalion, RCT 52: V. Du pouvoir de l'Amour / Jeux et Ris qui suivez mes traces (Amour) 03:27
6. Pigmalion, RCT 52: VI. Les Grâces 02:47
7. Pigmalion, RCT 52: VII. Sarabande et Tambourins. Cédons à notre impatience / Le peuple dans ces lieux s'avance 03:25
8. Pigmalion, RCT 52: VIII. Air gay pour l'entrée du peuple 01:50
9. Pigmalion, RCT 52: IX. L'Amour triomphe (. Pigmalion, Choeur) 02:42
10. Pigmalion, RCT 52: X. Pantomime niaise, Tambourin très vive 03:32
11. Pigmalion, RCT 52: XI. Règne, Amour (. Pigmalion) 05:13
12. Pigmalion, RCT 52: XII. Air gracieux / Contredanse en rondeau 02:24
13. Pygmalion 26:23

Personnel:
Philippe Gagné, countertenor (Pygmalion)
Lieselot De Wilde, soprano (Céphise)
Caroline Weynants, soprano (Amour)
Apotheosis Orchestra
Korneel Bernolet, musical direction