Artist: Philip Ledger, Sir David Willcocks
Title: M.A. Charpentier: Te Deum, Messe de Minuit pour Noel
Year Of Release: 1989
Label: EMI Classics
Genre: Classical
Quality: FLAC (image+.cue,log,scans)
Total Time: 59:58
Total Size: 301 mb
Tracklist:01. Philip Ledger / Te Deum - Prelude [0:01:45.57]
02. Philip Ledger / Te Deum laudamus [0:01:18.48]
03. Philip Ledger / Te aeternum Patrem [0:01:55.10]
04. Philip Ledger / Pleni sunt coeli et terra [0:02:20.10]
05. Philip Ledger / Te per orbem terrarum [0:03:19.37]
06. Philip Ledger / Tu devicto mortis aculeo [0:01:07.33]
07. Philip Ledger / Judex crederis [0:00:51.27]
08. Philip Ledger / Te ergo quaesumus [0:02:08.23]
09. Philip Ledger / Aeterna fac cum sanctis [0:03:12.57]
10. Philip Ledger / Dignare Domine [0:02:03.43]
11. Philip Ledger / Fiat misericordia [0:01:51.10]
12. Philip Ledger / In te Domine speravi [0:03:31.50]
13. David Willcocks / Messe de Minuit pour Noel - Kyrie [0:06:27.35]
14. David Willcocks / Gloria [0:06:11.60]
15. David Willcocks / Credo [0:11:25.45]
16. David Willcocks / Offertoire [0:04:45.02]
17. David Willcocks / Sanctus [0:02:48.65]
18. David Willcocks / Agnus Dei [0:02:54.28]
Performers:Felicity Lott - soprano
Eiddwen Harrhy - soprano
Charles Brett - alto
Ian Partridge - tenor
Stephen Roberts - bass
April Cantelo - soprano
Helen Gelmar - soprano
James Bowman - alto
Christopher Keyte - bass
Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Academy of St.Martin-in-the-Fields
English Chamber Orchestra
Philip Ledger - conductor
Sir David Willcocks - conductor
Marc-Antoine Charpentier was the most distinguished French religious composer of his era, whose output includes Masses, motets,psalms and oratorios, many of them extended works rich in texture, color and harmony, and contrapuntally resourceful.
Melodically, Charpentier derived a distinctive style, imposing French embellishments and phrase structure on a basically Italian idiom. His 30 or so theater pieces reveal wit and facility. Unfortunately, he remains known for only two works, both of which are on this disc.
The date of the former work (Te Deum) is unclear, but it seems most likely that it was written for the celebrations at the French victory at Steinkerque in August, 1692. Such a joyous occasion was marked by adding trumpets and drums to the more normal orchestra of woodwinds, strings and organ; choir and soloists complete the forces involved. The 'Messe de Minuit' is more intimate scored for strings, organ and flutes. This Midnight Mass was composed for performance on Christmas Eve and is based on old French carols producing a work of enchantment and charm.
This recording has two different dates and conductors (ten years apart). The 'Te Deum' was recorded in 1978 directed by Philip Ledger with soloists:F.Lott, E.Harrhy(sopranos), C.Brett (alto),I.Partridge(tenor, par excellence) and S.Roberts(bass) worthy singers all! The 'Minuit'was recorded in 1967 under the direction of Willcocks with soloists: A.Cantelo, H.Gelmar(sopranos), J.Bowman(alto), I.Partridge(tenor) and C.Keyte(bass).
The King's College choir always sing with perfection, and really it would be somewhat difficult to discern that there are two different groups here. This is very pleasant music, and sounds more secular than sacred. There are no liner notes except for some very brief comments about the music and composer.
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