Circé.

This article focuses on the Boston Early Music Festival's recording of Henry Desmarest's French Baroque opera *Circé*, highlighting its musical and vocal qualities. The 199-minute, three-CD set features a primarily English-speaking cast led by mezzo-soprano Lucile Richardot, with period-instrument accompaniment directed by Robert Mealy, Paul O'Dette, and Stephen Stubbs. The opera, which tells the story of the sorceress Circe detaining Ulysses and his sailors, is noted for its fluent singing, varied orchestration, and characteristic French Baroque style that balances arioso, instrumental interludes, and choral elements. The recording complements a recent Versailles production and offers a valuable interpretation for those interested in early French opera.