Navona Records present early music ensemble Les Délices's debut release Age of Indulgence. The album features an exquisite compendium of unique and rare instrumental music from the last generation of French Baroque composers. Founded by baroque oboist Debra Nagy in 2009, Les Délices is a Cleveland-based touring ensemble that explores the dramatic potential and emotional resonance of long-forgotten music...

If you're a fan of classical music or period dramas then Les Délices's debut album, Age of Indulgence, might be something you'll get many hours of listening pleasure out of. Comprised of 15 tracks (55 min, 49 sec) the album shines a spotlight on lesser-known composers active in the most important circles of mid- and late-eighteenth century Parisian musical society. If you're a Classical music lover then you'll no doubt spot the odd segment here and there that sounds familiar - no doubt popular themes would go on to inspire some of the classical composers who are still well regarded today.

The works on the album are detailed with many of the dominant French and European musical ideas of the era, including several of the genres that lay at the core of Baroque music. You'll find elements here that will remind you of the work of Handel, Bach Vivaldi and Pachelbel.

Close your eyes, and you could almost be transported to a French château in the 18th century. A beautiful recording, wonderfully presented.

Track listing:

01 - Sinfonia V (François-André Philidor)
From l’Art de la modulation
Debra Nagy, Julie Andrijeski, Karina Schmitz, Emily Walhout, Michael Sponseller
Adagio - Fuga Moderato - Andante - Aria con variazione

Sonata Seconda, Op. 2 (Michel Blavet)
Debra Nagy, Emily Walhout, Michael Sponseller
02 - Andante La Vibray
03 - Allemanda
04 - Gavotta Les Caquets
05 - Sarabanda
06 - Allegro

Extraits d’Opéras (Jean-Philippe Rameau)
Debra Nagy, Julie Andrijeski, Karina Schmitz, Emily Walhout, Michael Sponseller
07 - Air Gracieux from Les Boréades
08 - Entrée de Polymnie from Les Boréades
09 - Sarabande en rondeau from Les Fêtes de l’Hymen
10 - Chaconne from Dardanus
11 - Tambourins from Dardanus

12 - Les Sauvages (Jean-Pierre Guignon)
From Pièces de differens auteurs à deux violons, op. 8
Julie Andrijeski, Karina Schmitz

Pièces de Clavecin (Jacques Duphly)
Michael Sponseller
13 - Rondeau
14 - Le Félix

15 - Sinfonia I (François-André Philidor)
From l’Art de la modulation
Debra Nagy, Julie Andrijeski, Karina Schmitz, Emily Walhout, Michael Sponseller
Con spirito - L’arte della fuga - Pastorella - Gavotta

9

Darren Rea