|
The principal work to be studied in this workshop is the opulent
Messe à quatre chœurs – for four separate choirs
of voices and instruments, with a large continuo team of organs,
theorbos, and bass viols. The possibilities opened up by such a
wealth of musicians engender music which seems as close to the proverbial
‘choir of the angels of heaven’ as could be desired. A
period of study in Rome doubtless gave Charpentier exposure to the
polychoral style long-established from the time of Gabrieli. A contemporary
of Lully and Lalande, he was something of an outsider to the French
court of Louis XIV, something which helps to explain his comparative
obscurity since his death in 1704.
Jeffrey Skidmore and Ex Cathedra have been at the forefront of
expanding our knowledge of his music beyond the Messe de Minuit!
The workshop will involve voices together with instruments appropriate
to the period (strings, wind, continuo etc). Some sections are likely
to be taken by single voices,
|