Skip Sempé, distinguished for many years as a master interpreter of the French classical harpsichord repertoire, has recently been hailed as “the quintessential ambassador of French Baroque music”.

With his ensemble Capriccio Stravagante, Skip Sempé continues the series of universally acclaimed, ever-provocative recordings for the Paradizo label with a long-awaited new release of orchestral repertoire from the 17th-century: the first since the great success of 'Versailles - L’Ile Enchantée'.

Paradizo presents 'La Belle Danse', the debut recording of the new orchestra Capriccio Stravagante Les 24 Violons. The 24 Violons of Versailles was the most celebrated orchestra of 17th century Europe, rivalling all the large, opulent orchestras of Venice, Vienna, London, Naples, Rome, Madrid and Dresden. This important ensemble included many outstanding French instrumentalists and possessed a perfect understanding of the French style, in terms of sonority, texture and colour.

Capriccio Stravagante Les 24 Violons, directed by Skip Sempé, has masterfully recreated this essential and influential expression.

'La Belle Danse' transports the listener to Versailles at the time of Louis XIII and Louis XIV. Included is a dazzling tour of Ouvertures and Suites of Jean-Baptiste Lully (Atys, Armide, Les Plaisirs de l’Ile Enchantée, Roland, Le Grand Divertissement de Versailles, Le Triomphe de l’Amour, La Pastorale Comique) with music from Marin Marais (Alcyone) and Georg Muffat.

A selection of rare repertoire that influenced the first generation musicians of the 24 Violons is also illustrated, with dance and theatre music by Michael Praetorius, William Brade and Luigi Rossi.