Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)
Rameau at the Château of Fontainebleau (1753-1754)
Orchestral Suites Vol. 2 Anacréon
Daphnis et Eglé

The two suites of orchestral music heard on this recording are taken from operas composed by the celebrated French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau, for presentation before the court of Louis XV at the château of Fontainebleau in 1753 and 1754. Each autumn the French court travelled to this palace to stay for about six weeks. Here they hunted by day and were entertained by leading musicians and actors at night. Indeed, when the country's finances permitted, such trips resulted in a showcase for the performing arts symbolic of the wealth, power and magnificence of both the court and the country at large. Thus, the opportunity to present new works at Fontainebleau was a signal honour for any composer. These occasions were particularly important for Rameau, whose career in Paris had recently undergone several reve