This is Rameau's 1754 revision of Castor et Pollux, performed by Toronto's Opera in Concert and the Aradia Ensemble from a score prepared by conductor
Kevin Mallon. Though it is a studio recording, it followed closely on the heels of a series of live performances, and it benefits from the spontaneity and dramatic energy gained from them. The Canadian cast, led by
Colin Ainsworth and
Joshua Hopkins in the title roles, deals with the score capably, and
Mallon leads the Aradia Ensemble in a clean, well-paced reading of the orchestration.
Hopkins (Pollux) and
Monica Whicher (Télaïre, his fiancée) make the best vocal impression, singing with both style and authority. The "Tonnerre" (thunder scene) from Act V is especially striking, with added percussion effects to simulate wind and rain.