In Nativitatem
Musics for Christmas by Marc-Antoine Charpentier
Ensemble
Choir and Orchestra of Les Arts Florissants
Musical direction
Cast
Emmanuelle DE NEGRI, soprano
Julie ROSET, soprano
Bastien RIMONDI, tenor
Nicholas SCOTT, tenor
Lisandro ABADIE, bass
Program
Antiennes "O" de l'Avent, H.36-43
Marc-Antoine CHARPENTIER - Noëls sur les instruments H. 531
Marc-Antoine CHARPENTIER - Noëls sur les instruments H. 534 (extraits)
Marc-Antoine CHARPENTIER - Sur la naissance de Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ H. 482
Marc-Antoine CHARPENTIER - In nativitatem D[omi]ni canticum H. 416
The time of the Nativity occupies a central place in the religious music of Marc-Antoine Charpentier, and it can even be said that no other French composer of the Grand Siècle offered such a diversified work as he did to celebrate Christmas. Antiphons Ô de l'Avent, instrumental Noëls, as well as Latin sacred histories (such as the oratorio In nativitatem Domini canticum): the composer uses the most varied genres to portray this central episode of the Christian liturgy. These pieces are also unique in that they represent one of the rare points of encounter between scholarly and popular music that can be observed in late 17th-century France.
A connoisseur of Charpentier, whom he contributed to rediscovering in the 1980s, William Christie has conducted these works, which have become emblematic of Les Arts Florissants, on many occasions. The conductor renews and revisits this experience in this new concert production, in order to bring out all the variety and emotion of these liturgical pieces.
This concert is supported by Aline Foriel-Destezet, major donor of Les Arts Florissants.
Members of Les Arts Florissants enjoy a range of benefits including access to a members-only ticketing service offering the best seats for highlight concerts throughout the season. Purchase your seats for this concert via our ticketing service (Bronze members and up) or click here to learn more about membership.
Previous dates
London / United Kingdom
Barbican Centre, Concert Hall
- Monday, December 19 2022, 7.30pm
Fontevraud / France
Abbaye
- Sunday, December 18 2022, 9pm
Paris / France
Philharmonie de Paris
- Saturday, December 17 2022, 8pm
Versailles / France
Chapelle Royale
- Friday, December 16 2022, 9pm