Jehan Titelouze: Hymnes de l'église

Immerse yourself in the sacred and intricate world of Jehan Titelouze, a pioneering figure in French Baroque organ music. This album, "Jehan Titelouze: Hymnes de l'église," released on November 18, 2022, under the Aeolus label, is a comprehensive collection of Titelouze's complete organ music. It features the twelve Hymnes de l'église and eight Magnificat settings, meticulously composed by Titelouze during his tenure as an organist and canon at Rouen Cathedral in the early 17th century.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 56 minutes, this album is a testament to Titelouze's mastery of the organ and his innovative approach to liturgical music. The Hymnes de l'église, originally published in 1623, are a series of alternatim organ versets designed to be played during the singing of hymns in the Catholic liturgy. Each hymn is divided into multiple versets, allowing for a seamless integration of organ and vocal elements.

The album is presented in Super Audio CD (SACD) format, ensuring high-fidelity sound quality that captures the richness and depth of the organ's timbre. From the solemn and reflective "Ad coenam agni providi" to the exultant and triumphant "Exultet caelum laudibus," each track offers a unique exploration of Titelouze's compositional style and theological insights.

Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a curious newcomer, this album provides a captivating journey through the sacred hymns and liturgical traditions of 17th-century France. Jehan Titelouze's "Hymnes de l'église" is not just a collection of organ music; it is a window into the spiritual and artistic heritage of a bygone era, inviting you to explore the timeless beauty of his compositions.