At the beginning of the 17th century in Italy, solo singing gained both sonic and poetic depth thanks to Monteverdi and his Orfeo (1607). It quickly spread throughout Europe, aided by the travels of great masters sought after by princely courts, acquiring a greater melodic richness along the way. Rossi, invited by Mazarin to the French Court, and later Caldara in Vienna, all propagated the transalpine art, not forgetting the German Händel, who stayed in Rome before settling in London. Even an eminently “national” genius like Purcell incorporated, albeit in a superbly personal way, the Italian – and also French – influences.

With both the beauty of tone and technical assurance combined, Alexander Chance caresses the melodic lines and highlights the poetic refinements of the texts. He is carried by the opulent and diaphanous colors of Les Ombres, undoubtedly one of the most prominent French ensembles at the moment.