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5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding interpretation of Charpentier, November 13, 2002
This review is from: Charpentier - Te Deum · Missa ''Assumpta est Maria'' · Litanies de la Vierge · Agnus Dei ~ Philidor - Marche de timbales / Les Arts Florissants · Christie (Audio CD)
In my opinion, nobody else in his era wrote such beautiful harmonies as did Charpentier. I have found that many recordings of Charpentier's works are sung with tempos that are far too fast to bring out the underlying beauty in the music. A good example of this is Emmanuel Mandrin's "Grāce et grandeurs de la Vierge" (even though it is a different selection of music). He managed to make "Quam Pulchra Es", one of the most beautiful love songs ever written, sound almost like circus music.
This CD shines on all levels; interpretation, sound quality, and quality of the singers. You are hearing Charpentier at his best here, with the intensely emotional and moving harmonies that make his work so appealing to me, notably "Te per orbem terrarum", "Dignare Domine", and "Fiat misericordia tua Domine."
The more instrumental works are likewise well done. I highly recommend this recording!
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