Nicholas Scott performs alongside the Marguerite Louise ensemble at the royal chapel in Versailles

 

Alongside the Marguerite Louise Ensemble, Nicholas Scott will perform The Grand Motets of Rameau and Mondonville under the baton of Gaétan Jarry on December 10th at The Royal Chapel, Versailles.

In European baroque music, the grand motets are one of the most representative forms of French music. Originally developed for the King's Chapel by Du Mont and Lully, and brought to completion by Delalande during four decades in the service of Louis XIV, these works which resonated every day at the King's Mass, were then the pillars of programs of the Concert Spirituel created in 1725. It was then that two new masters in this style would emerge: Rameau and Mondonville.

Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764) had composed his great motets even before his arrival in Paris. They are an exception in the genre: they were not written for the King's Chapel, but around 1720, when Rameau was organist at Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral! Their mimicry with the master's future operas is however evident, as the musical flavor that emerges is exceptional and subtle. His two masterpieces are the motets In Convertendo and Quam Dilecta collected here.

Bringing together sharp soloists and choristers and musicians from his Ensemble Marguerite Louise, Gaétan Jarry brings to these works his enthusiastic reading and his passion for French music, for a resplendent program, recorded in our discographic collection!

Find out more here