Search - Elizabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre, Spoken Word, Frances Conover Fitch :: Protégée of the Sun King: Music by Jacquet de la Guerre

Beautiful Rendering of a Rediscovered Woman Composer

Barbara Cobb | Boulder, Colorado | 03/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The excellent artistry of Frances Fitch and Friends brings a sense of what it might have been like at the court of Louis XIV, when the extravagant king treated his guests, wandering the elaborate gardens of Versailles, to the best music of 17th century France. This wonderful 2-disk set focuses on the music of a woman who was a prodigy in her day - a harpsichordist and composer who thrilled her audiences - Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre. At the age of only 13, she was described as the "marvel of our century." Louis XIV made her his protégée, and assured that she could continue her artistry. The deliberate exclusion of almost all female artists and composers in subsequent centuries is a mystery to me. It is wonderful that Fitch and other musicians are rightfully bringing her back to our musical heritage. The performances are impeccable, and the audio quality is excellent and rich."

Protegee of the Sun King

C. C. Schoenebeck | Swampscott, MA | 02/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music on this disc is subtle and exquisite. The harpsichord playing flows gracefully; for me, it lingers in my mind, even after the music stops. I have a dear friend who is confined to a wheelchair, unable to move. He is just "waiting." He often requests this music, because it gives him the images of stars in the night sky. In his mind's eye, the intensity of light rises and falls with the melody and overtones of the harpsichord. He feels that the instrument sprinkles stars, and each star sings. My friend's description is the best review I can think of...

clemens schoenebeck

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Blissful listening

Tom | Lynn, MA | 02/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you love Baroque music this is a CD that will deepen your appreciation of it and lead to many hours of blissful listening. You will also learn that Jacquet de la Guerre is one of many female composers throughout history who have been overlooked, forgotten and underappreciated. My favorite pieces are the cantatas. The soprano soars on the sacred cantata Ester. On the secular cantata, Le Sommeil d'Ulisse,the violin, flute, harpsichord and voice weave together in beautiful harmony. The harpsichord playing is amazing. On each listen, there is so much more to discover. Frances Fitch and friends bring de la Guerre's music back to life so that we may enjoy it in the 21st century and go off the beaten path to appreciate a lesser known but worthy composer. The few spoken word tracks on these 2 CDs includes letters from de la Guerre in French with English translation in the liner notes, which adds to the feeling of immersion in a different time and place."