Marrying stage drama and chamber concert, this début album from Les Surprises draws on 18th century French opera. Exploring a dynamic repertoire variously familiar and forgotten, bringing theatre into the salon, these enlightened arrangements show real quality and diversity.

You could say that that Les Surprises was born under the star of French opera. Founded by Juliette Guignard and Louis-Noël Bestion de Camboulas in 2010, Les Surprises was influenced by, and indeed takes its name, from Rameau and his opera 'Les Surprises de l'Amour'. They play on period instruments and have been resident at the Centre Cuturel de Rencontre d'Ambronay as part of their young ensembles programme.

This debut album is, therefore, devoted to French opera, played in 'chamber' formation, shedding new light on unknown music by François Rebel and Francoeur, alongside benchmark works by Jean-Féry Rebel. Adorned by the voices of Juliet and Etienne Perret Bazola, this disc will uplift and delight.

Contents:
1. Les caractères de la danse
Jean-Féry Rebel

2. Air: Quel éclats dans les cieux (Ballet de la paix)
François Rebel & François Francoeur

3. Prélude pour le jugement de Paris

4. Air pour Vénus

5. Musette pour Pariz

6. Sarabande pour Junon (Ballet de la paix)
François Rebel & François Francoeur

7. Air: Fureur amour secondez mon impatience (Scanderberg)
François Rebel & François Francoeur

8. Air pour les plaisirs

9. Air: Enfants de la paix

10. Menuets (Ballet de la paix)
François Rebel & François Francoeur

11. Air: Hommages eclatants

12. Recit et duo: Tendre Amour (Ballet de la paix)
François Rebel & François Francoeur

13. Air pour les peuples d'Amathontes

14. Tambourins (Ballet de la paix)
François Rebel & François Francoeur

15. Air: Il gemit dans les fers (Prince de Noisy)
François Rebel & François Francoeur

16. Chaconne

17. Air: Trop faible ismène hélas!

18. Duo: Que les vents les plus doux (Ballet de la paix)
François Rebel & François Francoeur

19. Tombeau de Monsieur de Lully
Jean Féry Rebel