Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704) was a French Baroque composer known for his significant contributions to both sacred and secular music during the reign of Louis XIV. Born in Paris, Charpentier received his musical training in Italy, where he was particularly influenced by the works of the Italian composer Giacomo Carissimi.
In addition to some seven operas, he composed mainly sacred music, many of which were dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This was probably due to the fact that he was employed for much of his life by a couple of very wealthy and very religious aristocratic ladies - in 1670 he became master of music in the service of the Duchess of Guise. Charpentier composed two different Stabat Maters. The prelude to his Te Deum, a rondo, is the signature tune of the European Broadcasting Union, heard in the opening credits of Eurovision events.
Despite his significant musical achievements, Charpentier's works were not widely recognized during his lifetime, because he spent much of his career working for private patrons. But in recent times, his music has gained greater recognition for its innovation and unique synthesis of Italian and French styles.
Charpentier's Stabat Mater of 1680 follows the structure of the poem exactly. It is of astonishing simplicity, consisting of two melodies that are also very similar. They are sung alternately by the high voices, accompanied by theorbe and double bass, and by the low voices, accompanied by the organ. In spite of its simplicity, or perhaps because of it, it is a work of great beauty, combining purity with fervor. It is truly sublime and divine music.
Listen to: Le Concert Des Nations Jordi Savall
Choral Masterworks