Various Composers - Le Violon de Rameau (Théotime Langlois de Swarte; William Christie)

Information

1. Charles-Antoine Branche - Violin Sonata No. 1 in D Minor: I. Preludio, Grave
2. Jean-Baptiste Cupis - Violin Sonata in D Major, Op. 2 No. 1: II. Grave - Andante
3. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Les Fêtes d'Hébé, RCT 41, Acte II Scene 5: Air tendre. L'Amour va prendre Apollon
4. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Suite in D Major, RCT 3: I. Les Tendres Plaintes
5. William Christie - Improvised Prelude for Harpsichord in E Major
6. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Castor et Pollux, RCT 32B, Acte III Scene 4: Première Gavotte pour Hébé et les Plaisirs célestes
7. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Castor et Pollux, RCT 32B, Acte I Scene 5: Air pour une Spartiate, sans lenteur
8. Toussaint Bordet - Air tendre. Rossignol dont le doux ramage: Air tendre. Rossignol dont le doux ramage
9. Jacques Aubert - Suite, Op. 27 No. 3: Tendrement
10. Jacques Aubert - Suite, Op. 27 No. 3: Gayement & Double
11. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Les Indes Galantes, RCT 44, Prologue Scene 2: Musette en rondeau
12. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Les Indes Galantes, RCT 44, Prologue Scene 2: Air grave pour deux Polonois
13. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Les Indes Galantes, RCT 44, Prologue Scene 2: Menuet I
14. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Les Indes Galantes, RCT 44, First Entrance "Le Turc généreux" Scene 6: Rigaudons I & II
15. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Les Indes Galantes, RCT 44, First Entrance "Le Turc généreux" Scene 6: Tambourins I & II
16. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Les Indes Galantes, RCT 44, Third Entrance "Les Fleurs" Scene 8: Orage
17. Théodore-Jean Tarade - Les Sauvages de Mr. Rameau, variations
18. Louis Aubert - Violin Sonata in A Minor, Op. 1 No. 3: I. Preludio, Adagio
19. Louis Aubert - Violin Sonata in A Minor, Op. 1 No. 3: II. Pastorale, in poco Allegro gratioso
20. Louis Aubert - Violin Sonata in A Minor, Op. 1 No. 3: III. Corrente, Allegro
21. Louis Aubert - Violin Sonata in A Minor, Op. 1 No. 3: IV. Arie I-II, Gratioso
22. Louis Aubert - Violin Sonata in A Minor, Op. 1 No. 3: V. Giga, Presto
23. Jean-Baptiste Cupis - Violin Sonata in B-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 6: Tambourin
24. André-Joseph Exaudet - Violin Sonata in G Minor, Op. 1 No. 4: I. Largo
25. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Hippolyte et Aricie, Acte III Scene 8: Premier Air des Matelots
26. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Hippolyte et Aricie, Acte III Scene 8: Deuxième Air des Matelots
27. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Hippolyte et Aricie, Acte III Scene 8: Premier et Deuxième Rigaudons en tambourin
28. William Christie - Improvisation for Organ
29. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Canon in E Major. Avec du vin, endormons-nous, RCT 18: Canon in E Major. Avec du vin, endormons-nous, RCT 18
30. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Dardanus, RCT 35A, Acte IV Scene 2: Sommeil, rondeau tendre
31. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Les Indes Galantes, RCT 44, Second Entrance "Les Incas du Pérou" Scene 2: Air. Viens, Hymen
32. Jean-Philippe Rameau - Les Indes Galantes, RCT 44, New Entrance "Les Sauvages" Scene 6: Chaconne

Théotime Langlois de Swarte, violin

William Christie, organ & harpsichord

Date: 2026

Label: harmonia mundi

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While Jean-Philippe Rameau is celebrated primarily for his opera masterworks and solo harpsichord literature, his profound mastery as a violinist often remains overlooked. In this recording, harpsichordist William Christie and violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte join forces to curate an imaginative concert program highlighting the dynamic dialogue and creative interplay between their respective instruments. Drawing inspiration from Rameau’s most iconic theatrical arias and orchestral dances, alongside evocative works by his 18th-century French contemporaries, the duo crafts a poetic musical journey. The result offers a fresh perspective that bridges the vibrant worlds of baroque theater, dance, and instrumental song.

Théotime Langlois de Swarte (b. 1995) has rapidly established himself as one of the most compelling musicians of his generation, acclaimed for his expressive artistry, stylistic versatility, and imaginative interpretations of both baroque and classical repertoire. Equally accomplished on period and modern violins, he is celebrated for revitalizing historical works through dynamic, spontaneous performances that combine technical brilliance with improvisational freedom. A recipient of major distinctions including the 2022 Diapason d’Or and REMA Ambassador of the Year award, he has performed with leading ensembles such as Les Arts Florissants and Le Consort at prestigious venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall. Alongside his distinguished recording career, he is increasingly active as a conductor, bringing innovative projects and renewed vitality to early music performance.

William Christie (b. 1944, Buffalo, USA) studied at Harvard and Yale before settling in France in 1971. In 1979 he founded the ensemble Les Arts Florissants, transforming the performance of Baroque music with pioneering revivals of neglected repertoire. International recognition came in 1987 with Lully’s Atys at the Opéra Comique. Christie is a master of French Baroque, from Charpentier to Rameau, but also performs Italian composers like Monteverdi and Rossi, as well as Purcell, Handel, Mozart, and Haydn. With over 70 recordings, he is also a sought-after guest conductor at major opera houses and festivals. A passionate mentor, he has trained generations of young artists, many of whom now lead Baroque ensembles worldwide.