Composer of the Week - Music at Versailles - Episode 3

Donald Macleod is joined by Herve Niquet and Olivier Baumont to explore the music that was performed at the Palace of Versailles before the French Revolution. He visits some places of musical activity, including the Grande Ecurie, home of the King's horses, plus equerries, stablemen, musicians and pageboys. There was no permanent theatre at the Palace, so the stables also played host to several spectacular theatrical shows. The musicians had to play at outdoors events but were also required to play during the King's supper and for big celebrations in the Royal Chapel. Lully: Persee (excerpts) Les Chantres de la Chapelle Royale de Versailles Les Talens Lyriques Christophe Rousset (director) Naive Astree E8874, CD1, Trs 5, 11 Rameau: La princesse de Navarre (Act 1) Marilyn Hill-Smith (soprano) Michael Goldthorpe (tenor) English Bach Festival Singers and Baroque Orchestra Nicholas McGegan (conductor) Erato 0630 129886-2, Trs 2-9 Delalande: Caprice que le roi demandant souvent La Simphonie du Marais Hugo Reyne (director) Harmonia Mundi 901303, CD2, Tr 23 Rebel:Rondeau Andrew Manze (violin) Richard Egarr (harpsichord) Jaap ter Linden (viola da gamba) Harmonia Mundi 907221, Trs 1-3 Rameau: Les fetes de l'Hymen et de l'Amour (excerpt) Les Talen Lyriques Christophe Rousset (director) Decca 455 293-2, Tr 15.