VISAGES BAROQUES – RAPHAËL FEUILLÂTRE

Raphaël Feuillâtre’s debut album “Visages Baroques” is a mesmerizing exploration of Baroque music’s diverse landscapes, brilliantly captured through the strings of his guitar. The album’s unique focus on works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Jacques Duphly, Antoine Forqueray, Jean-Philippe Rameau, and Pascal Royer presents a captivating blend of contrasting styles and illuminates the art of transcription during the Baroque period.

Feuillâtre, a virtuoso French guitarist at the tender age of 27, showcases his remarkable ability to infuse the music with a balance of power and sensitivity. His playing is characterized by a lightness of touch that beautifully renders the intricate ornamentation, capturing the essence of the original pieces. The album opens and closes with two of Bach’s most iconic compositions, the Prelude in C major BWV 846 and Gavotte and Rondeau from the E major Lute Suite BWV 1006a. These selections set the stage for a captivating journey through time and style.

The album’s centerpiece is Bach’s Partita No. 1 BWV 825, presented in an arrangement by Reichenbach. Feuillâtre’s interpretation of this work demonstrates his profound understanding of Baroque phrasing and his ability to bring out the unique colors and textures of the guitar. The inclusion of Bach’s Concerto in D major BWV 972, a keyboard arrangement of Vivaldi’s work further transcribed for guitar by Judicaël Perroy, highlights Feuillâtre’s versatility and creativity in bridging musical worlds.

Feuillâtre’s musical intelligence is evident throughout the album, as he navigates the complex ornamentation of French character pieces with finesse and flair. From the charming elegance of Royer’s ‘L’Aimable’ to the dramatic intensity of Forqueray’s ‘La Bellmont,’ Feuillâtre maintains a seamless momentum and coherence of line, keeping the listener engaged and enchanted. Notably, Feuillâtre pays homage to his harpsichord roots with Duphly’s ‘Médée’ and his own rondeau dedicated to ‘La Forqueray,’ infusing the pieces with his signature style.

The album’s highlights include Rameau’s ‘L’entretien des Muses’ and ‘Les Cyclopes,’ which showcase Feuillâtre’s impeccable technique and his ability to evoke clear, airy virtuosity. These selections, along with others, emphasize the guitar’s unique capacity for bringing out the intricacies of Baroque compositions, transporting the listener to a world of elegance and refinement.

“Visages Baroques” is a delightful and masterfully curated program that showcases Raphaël Feuillâtre’s exceptional talent and deep musical insights. His performances on the guitar breathe new life into these timeless compositions, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricate beauty and emotional depth of Baroque music in a fresh and captivating way. Deutsche Grammophon’s release of this album is a gift to both Baroque enthusiasts and newcomers alike, inviting them to embark on a luminous journey through the rich tapestry of the past.