Gerard Lesne, Il Seminario musicale - Giovanni Bononcini: Amarilli - Cantates pour alto & Sonates (1993)

This is without a doubt one of Lesne's finest recordings. The already flawless compositions are elevated even higher by his exquisite ornamentation. Bononcini was a master of the genre and after listening to these compositions it should be apparent why he gave Handel such a run for his money. These works are easy to appreciate, far more so than Charpentier's in my opinion. Dramatic, Melodic, very bouncy harmonic rhythms, poignant slow movements - what more could you want? The instrumental ensemble is on par with Lesne's fabulous interpretations, the 'cello and trio sonate are equally as impressive as the cantate. I would give this six stars out five, it has been one of my most treasured recordings for over ten years. It would be wise to snatch this up before the flaky Veritas ceases to publish it!