Carneriana

Le Destin du Nouveau Siècle [The Fate of the New Century]: what a pertinent idea for a libretto for the year 1700! This unknown opera-ballet by Campra, premiered at the Collège Louis-le-Grand, foreshadowed the Century that was opening in France, where Louis XIV had been King for... 57 years! Saturn wants to regulate the destiny of this new century according to the will of the people, but some wish to ignite an eternal War, while others celebrate Peace. Campra's splendid music is here marvelously revealed by exceptional soloists, under the direction of Patrick Bismuth. The Europe of the old King was rumbling with war and famine to come, unrest mingled with hope at the dawn of this new century... here is the musical snapshot of this so particular era!