The Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists usher in Christmas in Milan, Frankfurt, Hamburg and London with works by two giants of European sacred music: Johann Sebastian Bach and Marc-Antoine Charpentier.
Charpentier Noëls sur les instruments H531 & H534
Charpentier Messe de minuit pour Noël H9
Charpentier Noëls sur les instruments H534
interval
Bach Schwingt freudig euch empor BWV 36
Bach Unser Mund sei voll Lachens BWV 110
Monteverdi Choir
English Baroque Soloists
Christophe Rousset Conductor
Jonathan Sells Choir Director & Assistant Conductor
Folk-like French noëls – secular Christmas carols, technically forbidden in sacred music by the Council of Trent – form the basis of Charpentier’s unique midnight mass. An irresistible rendition of laughter-in-music opens one of Bach’s most festive cantatas, Unser Mund sei voll Lachens, written for Christmas Day 1725 in Leipzig. And Schwingt freudig euch empor, composed for the first Sunday in Advent, looks forward to the birth of Christ with with dancing choruses and one of Bach's most intimate, touching arias, Auch mit gedämpften, schwachen Stimmen.
The Monteverdi Choir's performances of the music of J.S. Bach are world-renowned, and the Choir is joined this December by four rising-stars soloists of the international baroque music scene. The acclaimed French baroque conductor Christophe Rousset makes his Monteverdi Choir debut, bringing Gallic verve to Charpentier's exquisite music.
A refined festive celebration...Rousset brought Gallic elegance and refinement to Charpentier…the orchestra played dextrously…Every detail could be heard in St Martin-in-the-Fields.
The Times (London) ★★★★
Joyous and immaculate festive programme...Under the baton of Christophe Rousset, the Monteverdis sounded exquisite in a celebration of Advent that balanced reflection with exultation…Purity of line and detailed counterpoint, both vocal and instrumental, were immaculate.
The Guardian (London) ★★★★
[The music] was enlivened by a broader palette of articulations, including pungent, non-vibrato long notes, fleet-footed short notes and assertive accents. The strings created a beautifully earthy sound…Passages of ornamentation sounded spontaneous and tasteful; the group’s excellent articulation extended to the singers’ clear renditions of the words.
New York Times (Hamburg)
A fresh sense of artistic renewal…the ensemble took the audience on an enchanting musical journey, showcasing their exceptional artistry and energy… Rousset’s interpretation stood out for its vitality, elegance, and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression on all present.OperaWire (Hamburg)
Two hours of musical delight...the Monteverdi Choir displayed such effortless virtuosity...leaving the audience in awe.
Musica (La Scala)
Rousset leaned into gentle seduction, charm, and elegance from the outset…[the music] danced, almost flirted with the audience…sensuous and opulent.
Hamburger Abendblatt (Hamburg)
Lighter, more dance-like...Rousset brought a French elegance to Bach.
NRC Handelsblad (Hamburg)
