RAMEAU: “LE TEMPLE DE LA GLOIRE.” Brigitte...

RAMEAU: “LE TEMPLE DE LA GLOIRE.” Brigitte Bellamy, Isabelle Poulenard, sopranos; John Elwes, tenor; Gregory Reinhart, bass; La Grande Ecurie et La Chambre du Roy conducted by Jean-Claude Malgoire. CBS Masterworks I2M 37858 (two records) (digital). A stopgap affair: whatever the pleasures of this 1745 allegorical opera-ballet, Malgoire’s forces propound few of them. Even in this shortened, revised version (Louis XV found Voltaire’s original libretto too fulsome), the recording sustains little theatrical impetus. Blame it partly on the cast, often wayward of pitch, drab of color and nondescript of characterization. Malgoire’s battery of ancient instruments reap few rewards when every aspect of Rameau’s considerable invention--arias, choruses and dance interludes--are attacked with such sewing-machine anonymity. OK sound.