At the Court of Versailles

About the Event

Eighteenth‐century writer Pierre‐Louis D’Aquin de Château Lyon claimed, 'If I couldn’t be RAMEAU, there’s no one I would rather be than MONDONVILLE.'

In December, accompanied by Orchestre 415 and soloists, the Paris Choral Society celebrates the music of both of these Baroque masters in a programme of colourful French grands motets, once performed for members of the royal court at Versailles. The concert will end with the audience joining in traditional Christmas carol singing.

Jean‐Joseph Cassanéa de Mondonville’s IN EXITU ISRAËL is full of dramatic contrast, while Jean‐Philippe Rameau’s more contemplative grand motet QUAM DILECTA TABERNACULA celebrates the beauty of God’s temple and the joy of those who dwell in it. In DOMINUS REGNAVIT, Mondonville embraces the pomp of the French court in a regal motet inspired by the psalmist’s praise of God’s majesty and power. AT THE COURT OF VERSAILLES will transport the audience inside the decadent walls of the Royal Chapel where these motets were once performed for French royalty.