In the religious times of Louis XIV, Easter was the most important time for the piety of society as a whole. But Christmas was becoming increasingly important, to the point where it took second place in the hearts of the faithful. Specific scores were dedicated to the Advent and Nativity seasons, using popular melodies and silencing the organ from the first Sunday in Advent until Christmas, when it re-emerged with a vengeance to play the famous Noëls variés !

Although Charpentier found his way back to posterity with the first notes of his Te Deum, his Messe de minuit pour Noël is probably one of the works for which he is best known! It invites us to plunge back into a musical world where learned and popular traditions are not opposed, quite the contrary: all Charpentier’s art and science are illustrated in this invitation to traditional carols within a mass composed around 1690 for Christmas Eve. These melodies were familiar to everyone, peasants and gentlemen alike, who recognised them, interwoven within a subtle counterpoint and renewed harmony, enriched by orchestral parts. The pleasure of music was available to everyone: from recognising a familiar tune to grasping its extraordinary arrangement. The simplicity of the original hymns also gave the whole Mass a candour and simplicity that spoke universally at the time.

CD available in the Château de Versailles Spectacles collection.

Coming soon

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : Best seats in house, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

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.

In case of any technical problem, the box office service remains available to complete your order by phone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89 (Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm) or in our box office-shop (3 bis rue des Réservoirs, 78000 Versailles ; Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm, and on Saturdays with concerts or shows except during the Musical Fountains Shows, from 2pm to 5pm).

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