Rameau - Tristes apprets

Sara Mohr-Pietsch traces musical connections with Jean-Philippe Rameau's 'Triste Apprets', the exquisite aria from his 1737 opera Castor et Pollux. In its time, the opera was revolutionary, refreshing French opera with influences from Italy, and we are taken on an exploration of music that extends to Germany, Austria and England, as well as the traditions of India.

The aria's extraordinary scoring for bassoon is reflected in pieces by Rossini and Elgar, and its theme of melancholy in music by Gluck and Monteverdi. And its bittersweet major-key setting is echoed in works by Schubert and Mahler.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say: “Ask BBC Sounds to play Music Map.”