Daquin: Les douze Noëls

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Baroque organ music with Louis-Claude Daquin's "Les Douze Noëls." Released on December 1, 2004, this captivating album features Daquin's twelve Noël compositions, each a unique exploration of the festive spirit and musical ingenuity of the era. Recorded by the renowned trumpeter John Wallace, this album showcases the intricate and melodious works of Daquin, a composer and organist who, though often overshadowed by his contemporaries, crafted pieces of enduring beauty and complexity.

Spanning a duration of 54 minutes, "Les Douze Noëls" is a collection of Noël compositions that range from the serene and contemplative to the lively and celebratory. Each track, from "Noël I" to "Noël XII," offers a distinct interpretation of the Noël theme, demonstrating Daquin's mastery of the organ and his ability to evoke a range of emotions through his music. The album, released under the Linn Records label, is a testament to Daquin's skill and the enduring appeal of Baroque music.

Daquin, a contemporary of Johann Sebastian Bach, studied under Johann Pachelbel and later became an assistant to Hans Bach in Arnstadt. His compositions, though not as widely recognized as those of his more famous contemporaries, are nonetheless deserving of attention for their technical prowess and artistic merit. "Les Douze Noëls" provides a comprehensive overview of Daquin's Noël compositions, making it an essential addition to any classical music collection. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

Louis-Claude Daquin, a virtuoso organist and harpsichordist, was a prominent French composer of the Baroque and Galant eras. Born in Paris in 1694, Daquin's musical prowess was evident from a young age, honing his skills under the tutelage of his godmother, Élizabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre. Throughout his nearly eight-decade life, Daquin composed a variety of choral, orchestral, and keyboard works, although only a few have survived to the present day. His most renowned compositions include the enchanting 'Le Coucou,' a rondo for harpsichord, and the collection of harpsichord suites published in 1735. Daquin's musical legacy continues to captivate audiences with its intricate melodies and technical brilliance, showcasing his mastery of the keyboard and his enduring impact on French Baroque music.