To revive these legendary works for Versailles, Stéphane Fuget has gathered the finest performers for this project, a true “army of generals” where the choir consists of exceptional singers who alternate between solo parts and grand choral pieces, just as in Lully’s time, resulting in a dazzling performance. The variety and number of musicians also stand in contrast to modern performance practices: eight instruments from the flute family are mobilized when needed, along with the famed twenty-four violins, the organ and harpsichord, the theorbo, and the resplendent ensemble of oboes—a truly opulent musical assembly, the likes of which have never been brought together to (re)perform the music of Lully or his contemporaries. This ambitious project marks the third volume of a complete CD recording of Lully’s Grand Motets, which these same performers have championed for the past two years.

For this concert, three of the most beautiful grand motets will be performed: Benedictus, composed in 1685 shortly before Lully’s death, is of extraordinary architecture and transcends sacred drama; Notus in Judea Deus, a true hymn of victory celebrating the Glory of God; and Domine Salvum fac Regem, that vigorous “God save the King” systematically sung in honor of the Sovereign to conclude religious services and grand occasions, accompanied by the sublime Magnificat by Henry Du Mont, who was in charge of the King’s Chapel Music until 1683.

If you wish to experience the most incredible orchestral and choral colors of the Grand Siècle, in the power of Lully’s masterpieces, Stéphane Fuget and Les Epopées await you at the Chapelle Royale.

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