Desmarest: Quatre, Motets & Lorrains

Henri Desmarets, a prominent French composer of the Baroque era, presents a captivating collection of sacred music with "Desmarest: Quatre, Motets & Lorrains." This album, released in 2017 under the Phaia Music label, showcases Desmarets' mastery of the motet form, a multi-voice musical composition with a sacred Latin text. The album spans an impressive 1 hour and 30 minutes, featuring 36 tracks that highlight the composer's skill in crafting intricate polyphony and expressive harmonies.

Desmarets, born in Paris in 1661, was one of the most gifted pupils of the renowned Jean-Baptiste Lully. His compositions reflect the grandeur and elegance of the French Baroque style, with a particular emphasis on the dramatic and devotional aspects of sacred music. The motets on this album, such as "Domine ne in furore," "Usquequo Domine," and "Confitebor tibi Domine," demonstrate Desmarets' ability to create powerful and moving musical settings for biblical texts.

The album features an ensemble of talented vocalists, including Normand Richard, Wanda Procyshyn, Teresa van der Hoeven, Jean-Paul Fouchécourt, and Michel Léonard, accompanied by the Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montréal under the direction of Christopher Jackson. Their performances bring to life the rich textures and contrapuntal complexities of Desmarets' compositions, offering a profound and engaging listening experience.

"Desmarest: Quatre, Motets & Lorrains" is a testament to Henri Desmarets' enduring legacy as a composer of sacred music. This album provides a comprehensive overview of his motet compositions, showcasing his unique voice within the French Baroque tradition. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding exploration of one of the most significant composers of the era.