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.

This concert is supported by Portos – Strategic Legal Advisory.

Château de Versailles Spectacles extends its thanks to Mr Jaromír Císař.

A concert dedicated to the memory of Czech philanthropist Pavel Smutný, friend and benefactor of the Royal Opera, and a distinguished member of ADOR.

Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704)

Ô Créateur H. 531

Tous les bourgeois de Chartres H. 534

Où s’en vont ces gays bergers H. 534

À la venue de Noël H. 534

Messe de Minuit H. 9

Kyrie

Joseph est bien marié H. 534

Christe

Kyrie

Une jeune Pucelle H. 534

Gloria

Credo

Offertoire

Laissez paître vos bêtes

Sanctus

Agnus dei

Dialogus inter angelos et pastores judae H. 420

Or nous dites Marie H. 534

Dixit Dominus H. 202

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY: Best seats in house with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.

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

REDUCED RATE: applicable to under 26s, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles card holders and groups of more than 10 people (excluding special company offer).

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

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To ensure the best welcome possible, people with limited mobility are advised to book their seats by telephone.