Orchestra of the 18th Century, Frans Brüggen - Rameau: Orchestral suites - Nais & Zoroastre (2001)

No corner of the operatic repertory offers a greater wealth of freestanding orchestral dances than the French Baroque, and no composer wrote such a rich and enjoyable array of them as Rameau, that master blender of melodic inspiration, rhythmic irresistibility and orchestral colour.
While Rameau's dances tend to be integrated into the action more than most, you do not really need to study the plots of these operas too much to enjoy the music they deliver. In the end the music is just there to be enjoyed, and in any case Rameau himself was not always that particular; those familiar with his harpsichord pieces will recognise a few old friends wearing hastily chosen new clothes.
As for the performances, little needs to be said about them save that they meet the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century's normal high standards – impressively weighted sound, tight ensemble and excellent style – and are all the more admirable for being recorded live in concert, as usual.