Suite from "Les Boréades"

Les Boréades is Jean-Philippe Rameau’s final tragédie lyrique, composed around 1763 but not performed in his lifetime. Rediscovered and premiered in the 20th century, the opera features an intricate blend of orchestral writing, chorus numbers and dance-like instrumental sections.

Orchestral suites drawn from the opera bring the instrumental material to the fore. In such suites, overtures, minuets, gavottes and other dances present Rameau’s characteristic clarity of texture and rhythmic vitality. These concert arrangements crystallize contrasting moods and colours, showcasing the composer’s command of instrumental gesture and elegant baroque form.