The Royal Chapel of Madrid: Sacred Music After the Great Fire of 1734

Featuring

María Espada
Javier Ulises Illán
David Palanca
Nereydas
Francisco Courcelle (Corselli)
Domenico Porretti

José Lidón

Did you know?

1/7

Historical Context

The life of the Spanish court in the 18th century was significantly impacted by a fire on Christmas Eve of 1734 that destroyed the Real Alcazar and its musical archive.

Recording & Production

This recording is the culmination of an intense process to recover Spanish 18th-century repertoire, bringing sacred state music, written for kings, back to life after two centuries of silence.

Composition History

After the 1734 fire, Francesco Corselli, the maestro de música, faced the challenge of reconstituting the musical archive and providing new music for liturgical functions.

Historical Context

The Royal Chapel of Madrid was a fundamental entity for establishing and disseminating political and religious doctrine in the Spanish monarchy.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Francesco Corselli, an extraordinary composer, decisively influenced the new musical style for Catholic liturgy in the Hispanic monarchy after the fire.

Cultural Impact

This recording aims to contribute to the international recognition of Spain's 18th-century musical repertoires, bringing to light music formerly exclusively for royalty.

Compositional Technique

Corselli's influence led to a deep renovation of music, featuring significant instrumental development, imaginative instrumental combinations, and the use of expressive bel canto reflecting his operatic language.