Campra: Grand Motets

Album Description

André Campra's 'Campra: Grand Motets' is a sublime collection of sacred music, showcasing the French Baroque composer's mastery of the genre. Released on 1 January 2003 by Warner Classics, this album features 27 tracks that highlight Campra's remarkable skill in crafting beautiful and touching petit motets, as well as his grand motets, which are scored for full orchestra, choir, and soloists.

With a duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of Campra's compositions, including 'Notus in Judea Deus', 'De profundis', and 'Exaudiat te Dominus'. The album also includes a Requiem, with the Introït 'Requiem aeternam' being a standout piece. Campra's music is a testament to his prolific career, during which he penned no fewer than 60 'petits motets' and 51 'grands motets', cementing his reputation as a renowned church musician.

This album is a welcome addition to the discography of André Campra, an artist who is often credited with inventing the 'opera-ballet' and is known for his spirited stage productions. However, his sacred music deserves equal attention, and this collection is a perfect opportunity to explore his lesser-known yet equally beautiful works. With its stunning performances and meticulous production, 'Campra: Grand Motets' is an essential listen for fans of Baroque music and those looking to discover the genius of André Campra.

January 1, 2003

℗ 2003 Erato/Warner Classics, Warner Music UK Ltd.

About André Campra

André Campra, born in 1660 in Aix-en-Provence, was a pivotal figure in French Baroque music, bridging the gap between the legendary Jean-Baptiste Lully and the innovative Jean-Philippe Rameau. As a composer and conductor, Campra's influence was immense, particularly in the realm of opera. He is credited with creating the "opéra-ballet" genre, a unique blend of French and Italian musical styles that captivated audiences. His stage productions were renowned for their spirited performances, and his tragic operas and ballet-operas were extremely well-received. Beyond his operatic achievements, Campra also made significant contributions to sacred music, including a requiem and numerous grand motets. His career spanned various prestigious positions, including music master at Notre-Dame de Paris and composer to the Chapelle Royale, leaving an indelible mark on French music. Campra's legacy endures, celebrated for his role in the renewal of French opera and his prolific output of both secular and sacred works.