Charpentier : Messe de Minuit - Bach : Magnificat

CHRISTMAS AT THE CHAPELLE ROYALE Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704) Messe de minuit Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Magnificat Saturday 5 December, 7pm Chapelle Royale Duration: 1h05 without interval To celebrate the Nativity, the Chapelle Royale adorns itself with its finest musical finery, bringing together two Baroque geniuses: Marc-Antoine Charpentier and Johann Sebastian Bach.

This programme, which has become an unmissable event during the Versailles festivities, creates a dialogue between French popular piety and the instrumental splendour of Northern Germany.

Charpentier's Messe de Minuit is a unique work of its kind: the composer incorporates popular 17th-century Christmas melodies with infinite tenderness, transforming the liturgy into a joyful and contemplative dance. In contrast, Bach's Magnificat unfolds dazzling orchestral power.

From the very first chords of trumpets and timpani, this jubilant work rises towards the vaults of the edifice, offering a striking contrast between choral virtuosity and spiritual depth.

Under the baton of Valentin Tournet, the musicians of La Chapelle Harmonique and a quintet of soloists bring these universal pages back to life. An invitation to rediscover the brilliance and magic of Christmases past!