Album

If the French Revolution hadn't turned into a bloodbath, if Napoleon hadn't turned into a tyrant, and if Austria, England, and Austria hadn't won the Napoleonic wars, François-Joseph Gossec might conceivably hold the same exalted position in music history that Beethoven does and his Le Triomphe de la République might possibly have the same high regard in world culture that Beethoven's Ninth does. Gossec has something of the same grand scale, lofty aspirations, and popular appeal as Beethoven and his lyric divertissement in one act celebrating the victories of the nascent republic has something of the same enormous scope, elevated tone, and common touch of his Ninth Symphony. Of course, Gossec was aiming a lot lower aesthetically in La Triomphe than Beethoven was in his Ninth and while the initial audiences might have been transported by the work's ardent patriotism, latter-day audiences may be put off by its aggressive aggrandizement.

But if they are, it won't be the fault of this stupendous recording. The formidable Diego Fasolis leads I Barocchisti, the Coro della Radio Svizzera, the Coro Calicantus, and seven vocal soloists in a performance that is enough to shake the walls and rattle the windows. While not perhaps the last word in refinement, Fasolis and his forces are the first word in magnificence with imposing choruses, impressive solos, splendid orchestral effects—listen to the gargantuan tympani imitating the roar of artillery—and, in the closing international ballet, a sense of joi de vivre that perhaps only a great performance of the Ode to Joy can match. As barely contained in Chandos' staggering sound, Gossec's La Triomphe deserves to be heard by anyone with an interest in the period.

© James Leonard, All Music Guide

CD 1
François-Joseph Gossec Composer Le Triomphe de la république Work 1:12:37 Philippe Huttenlocher Bass, I Barocchisti Ensemble, Coro Calicantus Chorus/Choir, Guillemette Laurens Mezzo-Soprano, Antonella Balducci Soprano, Lugano Radio Orchestra Chorus/Choir, Claudio Danuser Baritone, Arnaud Marzorati Bass, Diego Fasolis Conductor, Makoto Sakurada Tenor
1	Overture. Allegro molto	3:38			$0.99
2	Overture. Allegro moderato	2:48			$0.99
3	Overture. March. Grave	2:02			$0.99
4	Scene 1. God of the people and of kings	1:38			$0.99
5	Scene 1. Taste, Republicans, the sweetness of the truce	1:33			$0.99
6	Scene 1. Sun, passing overhead on your habitual course	2:31			$0.99
7	Scene 2. Citizens, who with ardent courage...	2:28			$0.99
8	Scene 2. You gentle young ladies and all you young men	4:21			$0.99
9	Scene 2. Village dance. The citizens of these shady groves	2:09			$0.99
10	Scene 3. The trumpet has sounded; you are called to arms	0:54			$0.99
11	Scene 3. Farewell our children and parents	5:13			$0.99
12	Scene 4. In our youth...	3:43			$0.99
13	Scene 5. Let's begin our celebrations	3:15			$0.99
14	Scene 5. Take up your songs, begin the dance again	3:43			$0.99
15	Scene 5. And at last, on the ill-fated plains	1:23			$0.99
16	Scene 5. Essential birthright of mankind	2:57			$0.99
17	Scene 6. New Republicans whose voices entreat me	1:35			$0.99
18	Scene 6. Long live, long live Liberty!	2:23			$0.99
19	Scene 6. Entry of people of various nations	1:12			$0.99
20	Scene 6. The English, the Swiss etc	2:19			$0.99
21	Scene 6. Dance. What of the intrepid fervour...	4:55			$0.99
22	Scene 6. Air for the Poles. Pas de deux	3:20			$0.99
23	Scene 6. Anglaise or Bostonienne (folk dance)	1:10			$0.99
24	Scene 6. Air for the Swiss. Le Ranz des Vaches	1:46			$0.99
25	Scene 6. Grivois	1:24			$0.99
26	Scene 6. Valsque	1:37			$0.99
27	Scene 6. Air for the Africans	1:39			$0.99
28	Scene 6. Air for the Savoisiens	1:39			$0.99
29	Scene 6. Vielle	0:47			$0.99
30	Scene 6. Contredanse finale. Allegretto	2:35			$0.99