News
Homage to costume designer Patrice Cauchetier
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Patrice Cauchetier, the great costume designer whose creations marked the operatic productions of Les Arts Florissants. A loyal companion of our ensemble, he elevated our shows by adorning them in marvelous finery.
From his sketches and fascinating documentary research, he fashioned costumes sewn with intention, rich in meaning and carefully chosen materials. From the wispiest muslins to the heaviest garments, he knew how to condition the actors' movements as virtuosically as the musical language they were interpreting.
From Anacréon and Actéon in 1986, and Le Malade imaginaire in 1990, to the comedy-ballets L'amour médecin and Le Sicilien in 2005, not forgetting La Fée Urgèle in 1991 and the celebrated Atys in 1986, Médée in 1993 and Hippolyte et Aricie in 1996, he built the visual image of Les Arts Florissants' shows. Above all, he has created a formidable imaginary world for generations of spectators and musicians alike, offering onstage a concrete representation of the Baroque spirit conveyed by William Christie and his ensemble. The impressive dress of the trio of Fates in Ace II of Hippolyte et Aricie will remain forever engraved in our memory.
Today we pay tribute to this magician of costume who has contributed so much to the history of Les Arts Florissants. May his genius continue to inspire our work and enchant our memories...
New CD release: "Conversations - Gaspard Le Roux: Suites for two harpsichords"
Harmonia mundi's "Les Arts Florissants" collection has a new title, with this duo recording by William Christie and Justin Taylor, devoted to their instrument of choice: the harpsichord...
