ASV CD GAU141 / ALTO ALC1216
56’06
In one of the most magnificent recordings ever made of French baroque music, Ex Cathedra perform the only versions available of 3 grands motets (2 of them world premieres) that represent the sacred music of Louis XIV’s Versailles at its finest.
This recording has been recently reissued on the Alto label as “Choral Music from Versailles” (ALC 1216). We have the remaining ASV stock.
REVIEWS:
‘De Profundis is overwhelming, one searing dissonance melting into the next and the animation of the music is matched by the performers. A revelation of neglected music.’ (BBC Music Magazine)
‘The performances of all three works are technically superb, with carefully phrased and balanced choral singing of a clarity that renders the libretto redundant… enthusiastic reverence that adds life without detracting from the music’s gravity.’ (Classic CD)
‘…vividly characterised performances that can be warmly recommended to far more than baroque specialists’ (The Guardian)
‘…this record is a joy to hear’ (Laudate)
‘the performances have a finely judged poise and rhythmic buoyancy … the sense of cohesion in the ensembles and choruses is outstandingly good.’ (Early Music Magazine)
‘a magnificent interpretation which takes its place amongst the best thanks to the vocal group, who use the choral dynamics and intense tonal beaufty with depth and spaciousness.’ (Ritmo)
‘Excellently executed French Baroque Latin. The final “requiem” of the De Profundis draws a fine choral texture from Ex Cathedra who are thoroughly persuasive with this music’ (Musical Times)
‘lively, energetic and utterly enjoyable … Lalande ought to be better known than he is’ (www.musicweb-international.com)