Price: 19,80 €

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The 4-voice mass for the funeral with symphony is the latest of Charpentier’s three masses for the funeral, which he composed in the mid-1690s, as an order from the Jesuits in Paris. The mass follows a symphony which was likely to be played as the coffin was brought in processionally.
In accordance with the French custom, Charpentier composed a motet with a personal tone, using the Pie Jesu text at the Elevation (in the absence of a choir, the organist had to improvise).
 
The Nativity Canticle is a sort of  a pastoral, which might also be named a Christmastide oratorio. The Night evokes the shepherds’ vigil before the Angel announces the birth of Jesus to them.
 
Psalm 87 is a call for help.  Charpentier expresses suffering through sometimes discordant intervals, thus entwining tragedy and hope.
 
Then the Salve Regina adoptes the Gregorian melody in tone 1 ; Charpentier takes the greatest advantage of the stereophonic possibilities of the divided choirs.
 
Charpentier at his best. With a varied repertory to preclude boredom. Splendid interpretation by the Purcell Choir. A worthwhile disc.

Contents

1. Second répons des Matines du Jeudi-Saint
2. Messe des morts: Kyrie
3. Christe
4. Kyrie
5. Dies irae
6. Tuba mirum
7. Quid sum miser
8. Quaerens me
9. Oro supplex - Pie Jesu
10. Sanctus
11. Elévation: Pie Jesu Domine (H. 269)
12. Benedictus
13. Agnus Dei
14. In Nativitatem Domini Canticum (H.416): Praeludium
15. La Nuit I.
16. La Nuit II.
17. La Nuit III.
18. Psalmus Davidis 87 (H.207): Domine Deus salutis meae
19. Posuerunt me
20. Et ego ad te, Domine clamavi
21. Salve Regina à trois chœurs (H.24)
22. Ad te clamamus
23. Eja ergo, advocata nostra

Duration: 60'25

Extracts

Track 2


Track 6


Track 8


Track 9


Track 10


Track 19


Track 21