Grétry, Gossec & Giroust: Grands motets pour Louis XVI

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of 18th-century French sacred music with Jean-Claude Malgoire's meticulously crafted album, "Grétry, Gossec & Giroust: Grands motets pour Louis XVI." Released on August 18, 2017, under the Phaia Music label, this classical opera album is a testament to the opulent musical traditions of the French court under King Louis XVI.

Spanning a total of 75 minutes, the album features a collection of grand motets composed by André Grétry, François-Joseph Gossec, and Jean-Baptiste Giroust. These compositions, characterized by their intricate polyphony and majestic choral writing, were performed in the lavish settings of the royal chapel and other grand religious venues.

Jean-Claude Malgoire, a renowned conductor and musicologist, brings his deep understanding of historical performance practices to this recording. His interpretation is both scholarly and vibrant, offering a fresh perspective on these lesser-known works. The album showcases the rich harmonic language and dramatic expressiveness that define the French grand motet tradition.

The tracklist includes a series of motets, each exploring different themes of praise, devotion, and awe, as indicated by their Latin titles. Standout pieces such as "Terribilis est locus iste" and "Benedic anima mea" highlight the grandeur and spiritual depth of these compositions.

For fans of classical music and opera, this album is a rare opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of French sacred music from the late 18th century. Malgoire's expert direction and the meticulous performances by the ensemble make this a captivating listen for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre.