While the famous Te Deum secured Charpentier's place in history, it was undoubtedly his Messe de Minuit that most contributed to his renown. True to Charpentier's genius, this mass is a perfect synthesis of the secular and the sacred, popular melodies and refined composition, offering a piece of remarkable originality and joy. These melodies, familiar to all, peasants and gentlemen alike, are enriched by orchestral parts and interwoven with subtle counterpoint and renewed harmony. The pleasure of music is thus offered to everyone: to recognise a familiar tune, or to grasp it's extraordinary arrangement. Under the direction of Gaetan Jarry, the Marguerite Louise ensemble sublimates these Latin oratorios and French pastorals, infusing the Christmas celebration with unparalleled fervour!

Recorded in the middle of a European tour in December 2024, this release marks the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists debut of acclaimed French conductor Christophe Rousset. Rousset brings his Gallic elegance and refinement to Charpentier's Baroque Christmas music - the motet In Nativitatem and the Messe de minuit pout Noel, along with the instrumental noels, or Christmas carols, that form the basis of Charpentier's unique mass.

LECONS DE TENEBRES

Marc-Antoine Charpentier is the only composer of the age of Louis XIV to have distinguished himself so remarkably in the genre of the 'sacred history': he wrote more than thirty such works, all composed after his residence in Italy. S�bastien Dauc� and the Ensemble Correspondances have carefully extracted from this outstanding corpus a number of gems that reflect both his experience in Rome (probably studying with Carissimi, the master of the oratorio) and the humanist concerns of an entire period. Like a miniature opera, each piece relates an exemplary destiny, including several strong-willed women (Judith, Cecilia, Mary Magdalene) and a deep friendship put to the test (Mors Sa�lis and Jonathae).

Having reached the peak of his art, Marc-Antoine Charpentier composed his final mass, Assumpta est Maria, around 1669. Composed around the theme of the Assumption of the Virgin, central to the Catholic religion, this grandiose work blends Italian influences and French style. Charpentier succeeded in combining devotion and virtuosity, making the Assumpta est Maria Mass one of the masterpieces of Baroque sacred music, still appreciated for it's mystical depth and musical brilliance. Gaetan Jarry, accompanied by his ensemble Marguerite Louise, gives a superb performance that brings out all the expressiveness and solemnity of this mass.

Charpentier: Te Deum

Marc-Antoine Charpentier's Actéon is a pastorale or miniature opera based on Greek mythology. Staged in 1684, the story is about the hunter Actaeon who peeks at the bathing goddess Diana, turned into a red deer, pursued and killed by his own hounds. The music is continuously imaginative with rhythmic choral parts, elegant solos and dramatic flourishes.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704) : Messe A 4 Choeurs - Ensemble Correspondances - S�bastien Dauc� - Composer: Charpentier, Marc-Antoine (1643-1704) Works: Charpentier, M-A: Carnets de voyage d'Italie. Charpentier, M-A: Messe � Quatre Choeurs. Conductors: S�bastien Dauc�. Groups & Artists: Ensemble Correspondances. Label: Harmonia Mundi. Contents: Charpentier, M-A: Messe � Quatre Choeurs - Ensemble Correspondances (early music ensemble) S�bastien Dauc� Charpentier, M-A: Carnets de voyage d'Italie - Ensemble Correspondances (early music ensemble) S�bastien Dauc�

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music