The undisputed specialist of the French grand motet, William Christie brings together two complementary visions of this repertoire: that of Jean-Philippe Rameau, scholarly and architecturally structured, and that of Jean-Joseph Cassanéa de Mondonville, flamboyant and spectacular.

The grand motets of Rameau and Mondonville occupy a central place in the history of 18th-century French sacred music. Written for the Royal Chapel and the kingdom’s major religious institutions, these monumental works embody the uniquely French blend of splendor, spirituality, sublimity, and theatricality. In Rameau’s hands, the grand motet reveals writing of exceptional boldness, in which harmonic sophistication, orchestral richness, and vocal expressiveness already foreshadow the operatic genius of the composer. Mondonville, for his part, brought the genre to an unprecedented level of virtuosity and expressive intensity, infusing sacred music with an energy and brilliance that deeply captivated his contemporaries. Through these two contrasting yet complementary visions, William Christie and Les Arts Florissants invite audiences to experience the full excellence and singularity of a musical heritage at its height in this concert.

Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)

Quam dilecta tabernacula, RCT 15

Jean-Joseph Cassanéa de Mondonville (1711-1772)

Dominus regnavit

Intermission

Jean-Joseph Cassanéa de Mondonville

In exitu Israël

Jean-Philippe Rameau

In convertendo Dominus, RCT 14

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : Best seats in house, a complimentary glass of champagne is included.

PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats, a complimentary glass of champagne is included.

REDUCED GROUP RATE : available for groups of more than 10 people, excluding corporate offers.

CORPORATE GROUP RATE : for more information, please refer to our page dedicated to works councils and groups.

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