Lully: Dies Irae, Te Deum

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the resplendent world of Jean-Baptiste Lully with this captivating collection of his grand motets, "Dies Irae" and "Te Deum." Released in 2017 on the Brilliant Classics label, this album showcases the French Baroque composer's mastery of sacred music, reimagined through the lens of his Italian roots.

Conductor Elena Sartori leads the Allabastrina Choir and Consort in a stunning performance that spans nearly an hour, featuring 22 tracks that highlight Lully's intricate compositions. The album opens with the dramatic "Dies Irae," a powerful setting of the Latin hymn that explores themes of judgment and redemption. The work is divided into nine sections, each showcasing Lully's unique blend of French grandeur and Italian expressiveness.

Following "Dies Irae" is the triumphant "Te Deum," a hymn of praise and thanksgiving that celebrates the glory of God. This grand motet is structured in 13 sections, with symphonies interspersed throughout to create a sense of grandeur and majesty. The work culminates in a heartfelt plea for mercy, as the chorus and consort join together in a powerful finale.

Throughout the album, Sartori's expert conducting brings out the rich textures and harmonies of Lully's compositions, while the Allabastrina Choir and Consort deliver a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving. The result is a recording that offers a fresh perspective on Lully's sacred music, while also providing a glimpse into the composer's unique musical heritage.

October 27, 2017

2017 Brilliant Classics

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.