Lalande: Music for The Sun King

This resplendent CD introduces another outstanding 'early music' ensemble to Hyperion—Jeffrey Skidmore's Ex Cathedra, who will explore some of the lesser-known Baroque byways for us. They make their entrance with this programme of music by one of the four composers assigned to Louis XIV's Chapel in 1683. The disc gives us the opportunity to hear two of Lalande's 'grands motets' in full (substantial, sectional works in which episodes for vocal soloists are interspersed with passages for small ensembles and chorus, the orchestra providing both accompaniment and interludes), as well as a solo movement extracted from another one, and one of his instrumental pieces. This is music which was highly regarded both in the composer's own day and beyond, and performed throughout the eighteenth century.

CDA67325  72 minutes 26 seconds
‘This CD will do much to further De Lalande's reputation … gripping choral singing … stylish playing … highly attractive’ (BBC Radio 3 CD Review)
‘Jeffrey Skidmore and the orchestra and choir … perform these works stylishly, executing decorations with a gentle, almost casual swagger and responding to the shape and stress of phrase as if to ...
‘Treat yourselves and stand by to be impressed by all concerned’ (Early Music Review)