The novel The Royal Exchange (L’Échange des Princesses) by Chantal Thomas demonstrated the role of young princesses in the political exchequers of European royalty in the 17th and 18 th centuries. These cosmopolitan matrimonial relations encouraged composers to look afar for inspiration. For example, Spanish princess and wife of Louis XIII, Anne d’Autriche, brought about new styles within the French courts. Composers, in order to please her, incorporated into their music traits that were typically Hispanic: with dance rhythms and lyrics. These tunes were hence published after the marriage. Chloé Sévère’s work has involved bringing together, for her El Sol ensemble, melodies that hold no written accompaniments or string sections. Here we can discover an original work, a universe rather, brought to light through the arrangements of knowledgeable and curious musicians. Care has been taken to make use of sounds that are true to the era from which the works were born, something that many of today’s baroque interpreters neglect. The drums are recognisable (they mark the dance timings) as well as the basque drum, the castasnet and the bells. Rarer instruments can also be picked up upon listening such as the adufe (also known as the pandero cuadrado, the ancestor of the basque drum) and the baroque triangle, adorned with rings that vibrate on the metal. Well researched, this first recording from the El Sol ensemble is a passionate one. An interest in developing the baroque repertoire in South America promises many beautiful future discoveries. Keep your ears peeled! © Elsa Siffert/Qobuz