Le Mercure Galant (The Royal Academy of Music Bicentenary Series)
11/29/2024, 25 Tracks, 48:42
Featuring
Charlotte Spruit
Sergio Bucheli
Jonathan Manson
Johann Paul von Westhoff
Robert de Visée
Michel Lambert
Elisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre
Marc-Antoine Charpentier
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Album & Artwork
The album, titled 'Le Mercure Galant', recreates the intimate atmosphere of a 17th-century Parisian salon.
Historical Context
Le Mercure galant was a prominent magazine that reported on the vibrant cultural life of the French court, featuring poetry, gossip, reviews, and music.
Recording & Production
The album was recorded at St Mark's Church, Old Marylebone Road, London, UK, on April 11 and 12, 2024.
Composer Biography
Johann Paul von Westhoff, a violinist and composer, performed two of his violin works for Louis XIV and his court in Versailles in 1682.
Composer Biography
Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, a prodigious composer, astonished King Louis XIV with her violin sonatas, which he declared 'like nothing he had ever heard before'.
Compositional Technique
Robert de Visée, King Louis XIV's cherished lute player, had his compositions (initially for solo lute) ingeniously adapted with a separate dessus (upper) line, making them versatile.
Critical Reception
Westhoff's performances captivated King Louis XIV and earned his compositions a coveted spot in Le Mercure galant.
