Jean Gilles' "Te Deum" is a resplendent journey into the Baroque era, showcasing the composer's mastery of choral and orchestral writing. Released in 1960, this album presents a stunning performance of Gilles' "Te Deum," a grand sacred work composed for a large choir and orchestra. The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, including Edith Selig, Jean-Jacques Lesueur, Pierre Germain, and Georges Abdoun, accompanied by the Orchestre De L'Association Des Concerts Pasdeloup under the direction of Louis Martini and André Meurant.
This 43-minute album is a testament to Jean Gilles' compositional prowess, with each track highlighting the intricate interplay between voices and instruments. The "Te Deum" is a setting of the traditional hymn of praise, and Gilles' treatment of the text is both dramatic and devotional. The album opens with the powerful "Te Deum laudamus..." and continues through a series of recits and choral movements, culminating in the triumphant "Aeterna fac sum."
Jean Gilles, born in 1668, was a French composer and organist whose works, though not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, are no less deserving of attention. His "Te Deum" is a prime example of his skill in crafting complex polyphony and his ability to evoke a sense of grandeur and reverence. This album, released by BNF Collection, is a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's library, offering a rare opportunity to experience the music of Jean Gilles in all its glory.