Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of 18th-century French classical music with Francois-Joseph Gossec's captivating album, "Gossec: La nativité, Messe des morts & Christe Redemptor." This exquisite collection, released on February 5, 2021, under the CPO label, showcases the mastery of one of France's most distinguished composers. The album spans a rich tapestry of genres, including sacred choral works and orchestral pieces, all performed with meticulous attention to historical authenticity.
The album opens with "La Nativité," a pastoral and joyful celebration of the Nativity, featuring eight movements that narrate the story of the birth of Christ. Following this, "Christe Redemptor" offers a profound and reflective piece, highlighting Gossec's ability to blend spiritual depth with musical brilliance. The centerpiece of the album is the "Messe des morts" (Requiem), a monumental work that demonstrates Gossec's compositional prowess. This version, known as the Régibo Version, includes adaptations from Haydn's "Requiem" and offers a hauntingly beautiful exploration of themes of mortality and redemption.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, this album is a testament to Gossec's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the classical music canon. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a deeply enriching and rewarding listening experience.
2020 CPO2020 CPO
Tracks
La Nativité: No. 1, Berger cessons nos travauxFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Hendrickje van Kerckhove, Philippe Gagné, Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick
La Nativité: No. 2, Chères brebis dans cette enceinteFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Philippe Gagné, Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick
La Nativité: No. 3, De ces paisibles champsFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Philippe Gagné, Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick
La Nativité: No. 4, Quel sort funeste nous menace?Francois-Joseph Gossec, Philippe Gagné, Ex Tempore, Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick
La Nativité: No. 5, Bergers rassurez-vous, un dieu sauveurFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Hendrickje van Kerckhove, Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick
La Nativité: No. 6, Nous que pour ses enfantsFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Hendrickje van Kerckhove, Philippe Gagné, Ex Tempore, Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick
La Nativité: No. 7, Habitans des hameauxFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Robbert Muuse, Ex Tempore, Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick
La Nativité: No. 8, Gloire au Dieu tout-puissantFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Ex Tempore, Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick
Christe Redemptor, RH 507: No. 2, Sic praesensFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Philippe Gagné, Robbert Muuse, Mannheimer Hofkapelle, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): I. IntroitusFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Ex Tempore, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): II. Te decetFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Pascal Bertin, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): III. RequiemFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Ex Tempore, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): IV. Et lux perpetuaFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Ex Tempore, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): V. Dies irae [After Haydn's Hob. XXa:1]Francois-Joseph Gossec, Ex Tempore, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): VI. Recordare [After Haydn's Hob. XXa:1]Francois-Joseph Gossec, Elisabeth Scholl, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): VII. Confutatis [After Haydn's Hob. XXa:1]Francois-Joseph Gossec, Dirk Snellings, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): VIII. Ora supplex [After Haydn's Hob. XXa:1]Francois-Joseph Gossec, Robert Getchell, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): IX. LacrimosaFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Ex Tempore, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): X. Domine JesuFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Ex Tempore, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): XI. Sed signiferFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Elisabeth Scholl, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): XII. Quam olimFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Ex Tempore, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): XIII. SanctusFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Ex Tempore, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): XIV. Agnus DeiFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Ex Tempore, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): XV. Lux aeternaFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Elisabeth Scholl, Pascal Bertin, Dirk Snellings, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): XVI. RequiemFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Ex Tempore, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
Messe des morts, RH 501 (Régibo Version): XVII. Et lux perpetuaFrancois-Joseph Gossec, Ex Tempore, Les Agrémens, Florian Heyerick
François-Joseph Gossec, born in the small village of Vergnies in what is now Belgium, was a pioneering French composer who left an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. Born in 1734, Gossec spent the majority of his illustrious career in Paris, where he served in various roles, including theatre composer and violinist. His extensive body of work encompasses operas, string quartets, symphonies, and choral pieces, making him one of the most prolific composers of his time. Gossec's influence was so profound that he is often referred to as the leading instrumental composer in Paris during the second half of the 18th century. His compositions, such as the symphony "Peuple, Éveille-Toi," showcase his mastery of form and emotion, earning him a place in history books and the admiration of music enthusiasts worldwide. Gossec's legacy endures, inviting listeners to explore the rich tapestry of his musical contributions.
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Francois-Joseph Gossec
