Lully: à l'orgue de La Chaise-Dieu

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the majestic world of Jean-Baptiste Lully with the captivating album 'Lully: à l'orgue de La Chaise-Dieu'. Released on 2 December 2023, this stunning collection of 25 tracks, lasting 1 hour and 2 minutes, is a testament to the genius of the 17th-century French composer. Performed by the talented Frédéric Deschamps on the historic Marin Carouge organ of 1727, restored by Michel Garnier in 1995, at the Abbatiale Saint-Robert de La Chaise-Dieu in Haute-Loire, this album is a masterclass in Baroque music.

Featuring an array of Lully's most renowned works, including 'Phaëton', 'Alceste', 'Thésée', and 'Atys', this album showcases the composer's incredible range and artistry. From the grand 'Ouverture' of 'Ballet Royal de la Nuit' to the delicate 'Ritournelle de Vénus' from 'Psyché', each piece is a window into the opulent world of 17th-century French court music.

With its exquisite sound quality, available in Hi-Res on Qobuz, and released under the iMusician and VFPrOd labels, 'Lully: à l'orgue de La Chaise-Dieu' is an essential addition to any classical music collection. Jean-Baptiste Lully's music has been a cornerstone of French cultural heritage for centuries, and this album is a beautiful tribute to his enduring legacy. So sit back, relax, and let the sublime sounds of Lully's masterpieces, expertly performed by Frédéric Deschamps, transport you to a bygone era of elegance and refinement.

December 2, 2023

2023 Frédéric Deschamps

About Jean-Baptiste Lully

Jean-Baptiste Lully, born in Florence in 1632, was a titan of French Baroque music, despite his Italian roots. His life's work was deeply intertwined with the opulent court of Louis XIV, where he served as a composer, dancer, and instrumentalist. Lully's influence was so profound that he effectively controlled French court music from 1662 onwards, and his style resonated throughout Europe. He is renowned for his operas and his collaborations with the playwright Molière on numerous comédie-ballets, including the iconic "Le Bourgeois gentilhomme."

Lully's contributions to music are vast, with over 40 ballets and a significant body of sacred music to his name. He is credited with founding the French opera genre, creating a unique style of musical declamation that perfectly suited the French language. His tragic death in 1687, resulting from an infection caused by a conducting stick, only adds to the dramatic narrative of his life. Lully's legacy endures, making him a pivotal figure in the history of European music.