Lully: Musiques royales

Album Description

Jean-Baptiste Lully's majestic 'Lully: Musiques royales' is a testament to the composer's mastery of the French Baroque music style. This exquisite collection, released on 1 January 2012 by Universal Music Division Decca Records France, showcases Lully's incredible talent as a composer, instrumentalist, and dancer. With 248 tracks spanning over 8 CDs, this album is a treasure trove of musical delights, featuring some of Lully's most renowned works, including the 'Ballet Des Arts' and 'Ballet de Xerxès'.

As a prominent figure in the court of Louis XIV of France, Lully's music reflects the grandeur and opulence of the era. His compositions, often performed with a large ensemble of instrumentalists and singers, demonstrate his skill in crafting complex and beautiful music. This album, with its diverse range of pieces, offers a glimpse into Lully's remarkable career, which saw him become a dominant force in French music.

Under the direction of Hugo Reyne, 'Lully: Musiques royales' brings together a talented ensemble of musicians, including La Simphonie du Marais, to recreate the splendour of Lully's original compositions. With its rich instrumentation and intricate harmonies, this album is a must-listen for fans of classical music. So, immerse yourself in the world of Jean-Baptiste Lully and discover the beauty and elegance of his 'Musiques royales'.

January 1, 2012

℗ 2012 Decca Records France

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.