A word of clarification: Rameau wrote two one-act operas called Anacréon with different plots and music.

The 1754 Anacréon, to a libretto by Louis de Cahusac, was forgotten for nearly 250 years until Jonathan Williams reconstructed the score from fragmented manuscripts.

In this first recording the opera makes a delightful discovery telling its gentle tale of a love triangle in the ancient poet's garden with typical Enlightenment grace.

Anne Dennis, Agustin Prunell-Friend and Matthew Brooks are the genial singers.

Williams conducts the OAE and its choir with bright-eyed energy and finesse.