TE DEUM / MASS / CANTICUM ZACHARIAE

Le Concert Spirituel, Herve Niquet

Charpentier, M-A:
 Te Deum, H147
 Canticum Zachariae: Benedictus, H. 345
 Mass, H. 1

"This early Mass is a beautiful piece, intimately scored for voices with two melody instruments and continuo. The Mass is harmonically richly inventive with passages of vivid word-painting. Taken as a whole the work is generously endowed with subtle inflexions, a pervasive element of contemplation, and effectively varied rhythmic juxtapositions which enliven the text and hold our attention. The Te Deum, for four soloists, four-part choir and colla parte instruments, isn't that one for which Charpentier is renowned but a smaller, later piece belonging to the last years of his life. Modest in scale it may be but musically it's impressive and emotionally satisfying. The choir and instrumentalists of Le Concert Spirituel are on their usual lively form. Some of the solo vocal contributions are more focused than others but the choir maintains a high standard of vocal blend and secure intonation. The recorded sound is very good indeed and Niquet directs with stylistic assurance."
Gramophone Classical Music Guide - 2010