Nouveau Livre de Noëls

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French Baroque music with Louis-Claude Daquin's "Nouveau Livre de Noëls," a captivating collection of Noël compositions that showcase the composer's mastery and innovation. Released in 2018, this album features twelve exquisite Noël pieces, originally published by Daquin in 1757, each brimming with the festive spirit and musical brilliance of the era.

Daquin, a prolific French composer and organist, crafted these Noël compositions with remarkable versatility in mind. The pieces, intended for organ and harpsichord, can also be beautifully rendered on a variety of instruments, including violins, flutes, and oboes, offering a rich tapestry of sound and texture. The album's standout tracks, such as "Noël, sur les jeux d'anches sans tremblant" and "Noël, en dialogue, duo, trio," exemplify Daquin's skill in creating intricate, dialogic structures that engage and delight the ear.

Spanning just over an hour, this album is a delightful journey through the festive season, with each track offering a unique interpretation of the Noël tradition. From the tender "Une jeune Pucelle" to the lively "Noël pour l'amour de Marie," Daquin's compositions are imbued with a sense of warmth, joy, and reverence that transcends time.

Performer Adriano Falcioni brings Daquin's compositions to life with virtuosity and sensitivity, ensuring that every note resonates with the spirit of the original performances. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, "Nouveau Livre de Noëls" promises an enchanting and enriching 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.