Lully: Dies irae, De profundis & Te Deum (Collection Château de Versailles)

Featuring

Leonardo García Alarcón
Sophie Junker
Judith van Wanroij
Mathias Vidal
Thibaut Lenaerts
Alain Buet

Philippe Favette
Cyril Auvity
Millenium Orchestra
Cappella Mediterranea
Chœur de chambre de Namur
Jean-Baptiste Lully

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Critical Reception

Lully's Te Deum was so admired by King Louis XIV that he 'no longer wished to hear any other Te Deum than that of the Superintendent' for public thanksgivings.

Notable Performances

Lully's Te Deum, the 'royal hymn par excellence', was first performed in 1677 at Fontainebleau Palace for the baptism of his eldest son, with the King and Queen as godparents.

Composition History

Six of Lully's eleven 'grands motets', including the three on this album, were published during his lifetime in 1684 'by express command of His Majesty'.

Composer Biography

Jean-Baptiste Lully tragically died in 1687 from an infected foot wound, sustained while enthusiastically beating time with his heavy walking stick during a performance of his Te Deum.

Notable Performances

Lully's Dies iræ and De profundis were performed at the magnificent royal funeral of Queen Marie-Thérèse in 1683, moving all those present to tears.

Composition History

Lully's 'grand motets' were designed to combine the two large musical departments of the Musique du Roi, complemented by the '24 Violons', for monumental works.

Composition History

Jean-Baptiste Lully, despite never holding a post in the Chapelle du Roi, significantly influenced the development of the 'grand motet' for court ceremonies.