Ainsi soit-il avec Enguerrand de Hys et Paul Beynet
A Rare Musical Treasure: Enguerrand de Hys and Paul Beynet Unveil “Ainsi soit-il”
In a bold move to revive rare French musical heritage, tenor Enguerrand de Hys and pianist Paul Beynet have teamed up for a unique recording project titled “Ainsi soit-il,” released under the Rocamadour label. The album, recorded at the Grand Couvent de Gramat, offers a curated collection of French melodies inspired by religious themes, blending artistic innovation with historical depth.
The centerpiece of the album is a world-first recording of Contes mystiques. This ambitious cycle consists of eleven poems written by Stéphan Bordèse (1847-1919), which were set to music by twelve different French composers. Originally premiered in 1896 by the renowned singer Blanche Marchesi—daughter of the legendary Mathilde Marchesi—the cycle represents a snapshot of the diverse musical currents prevalent at the end of the 19th century.
The composer lineup for Contes mystiques is a fascinating mix of legendary names and obscured talents. Heavyweights like Gabriel Fauré, Jules Massenet, Camille Saint-Saëns, Théodore Dubois, Charles Lecocq and Louis Vierne share the spotlight with lesser-known figures such as Edmond Diet, Charles Lenepveu, and Henri Maréchal. Notably, the collection likewise features contributions from female composers, including Augusta Holmès, who penned the piano prelude, and the celebrated Pauline Viardot, who composed the “spectacular” piece “Rêve de Jésus.”
While some of the compositions—particularly those focusing on the childhood of Christ and drawing from apocryphal gospels—may lean toward a sweet or “sugary” tone, the overall musical quality remains high. The project succeeds in maintaining a cohesive atmosphere despite the varying stylistic approaches of the twelve different composers.
To round out the album, Hys and Beynet included additional religious melodies that expand the chronological scope of the record while reinforcing its spiritual theme. This release highlights the duo’s commitment to exploring niche repertoires and bringing forgotten masterpieces back to the modern listener’s ear.
