In the religious times of Louis XIV, Easter was the most important period of piety for the whole of society. But Christmas became increasingly important, rising to second place in the hearts of the faithful. Specific scores were dedicated to Advent and the Nativity, using popular melodies and silencing the organ from the first Sunday in Advent until Christmas, when it made a striking comeback to play the famous “Noëls variés”.

Although Charpentier found his way back to posterity with the first notes of his Te Deum, his Midnight Mass is probably one of the main works for which he is best known. It invites us to journey back to a world of music where scholarly and popular traditions were not mutually exclusive, quite the contrary: all the art and science of Charpentier’s craft is illustrated in this invitation to enjoy traditional hymns in a mass composed for Christmas Eve, around 1690. These melodies were known to all, peasants and gentlemen alike would have them, interwoven within a subtle counterpoint and renewed harmony, and enriched by orchestral parts. The joy of music is something for everyone: from recognising a familiar tune to understanding its extraordinary arrangement. The simplicity of the original hymns also give the entire mass a candour and simplicity that had universal appeal at the time.

This program will be recorded on a CD to be released on the Château de Versailles Spectacles label.

Concert in memory of philanthropist and patron Pavel Smutný, member of ADOR – Friends of the Royal Opera House.

Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704)

Messe de Minuit (1694)
Noël pour les instruments (1690)
Noël traditionnel…

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PRESTIGE CATEGORY: Excellent seats with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.

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