Nearly the end of my summer: Arioso under a starry night and a lit-up olive tree.

I did not quite recall where it was exactly. I was not driving. I remember the exuberant palm trees and flowers on this road leading to the Var sea-front. Then we parked and walked at sunset through this charming Var village by the sea. The concert took place in the courtyard of a public building, a garden which had a convent look with its olive tree in the middle. The harpsichord was quietly tuned up and the audience was settling gently in the peaceful light of a glowing sunset with no wind for once: all that made a serene setting; I could feel joy and artistic thrills in the air. I always rejoice in anticipating atmospheres.

Amarilli (G. Caccini) is, in this rendition, so subtle and soft. I like this delicate phrasing and elegant legato which express sorrow in a subdued manner. It was the signature of the extreme sensitivity and sincerity of both artists that night at Clairval: Arnaud Kientz, baritone and Ian Verrault, harpsichord.