The works presented on this release place us firmly in the midst of the events and ceremonies of 17th century France, the period known as the Grand Siècle. That period’s unusually splendid pomp and ceremony can be seen in the famous Te Deum, whilst the devotion and ritual suitable for a solemn feast day are evident in the Messe pour plusieurs instruments au lieu des orgues. The conjunction of these two pieces casts a spotlight on Charpentier’s musical language, whose archaic and modern style of writing and vocal and instrumental colors were unique in the 17th century.
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