Lully : Te Deum & Dies irae

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Jean-Baptiste Lully's sacred choral works with this exquisite 1965 recording by Jean-François Paillard and his Chamber Orchestra. This album, featuring the renowned soloists Jennifer Smith, Francine Bessac, Zeger Vandersteene, Louis Devos, and Philippe Huttenlocher, presents a captivating performance of Lully's "Te Deum" and the dramatic "Dies irae" sequence from the Requiem.

The "Te Deum," a hymn of praise and thanksgiving, showcases Lully's mastery of grand, celebratory choral writing, while the "Dies irae" offers a stark contrast with its intense, penitential mood. Paillard's ensemble delivers a crisp, vibrant performance, highlighting the intricate interplay between voices and instruments. The album's duration of just over an hour allows for a comprehensive exploration of these works, revealing Lully's profound influence on French Baroque music.

This recording, released under the Warner Classics International label, is a testament to the enduring power of Lully's music and the skill of the performers. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich, dramatic narratives of these sacred works, performed with passion and precision by some of the most respected artists of their time.