Te Deum
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Marc-Antonin Charpentier (1634 - 1704) |
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Marc-Antoine Charpentier
was, next to Lully, the most remarkable figure in late seventeenth-century
French musical life, with a prolific output of sacred and secular music. |
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As a young man, he
studied in Rome with Carissimi, acquiring valuable first-hand experience
of opera and oratorio - both relatively new forms at that time. On
returning to his native Paris, he put these skills to effective use,
composing seventeen operas and a large quantity of church music, and
bringing the dramatic oratorio to France for the first time, giving it a
special French character. |
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The Te Deum,
which dates from about 1692, was probably written for the great Jesuit
church of St. Paul in Rue St. Antoine, when he was Maitre de Musique
there. Its brilliance and powerful dramatic impact suggest that it must
have been written in celebration of some special occasion, such as the
recent French victory at Steinkerque on August 3rd, 1692. |
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The powerful effect of
the Te Deum is achieved by a variety of means. Firstly, Charpentier
uses a much larger instrumental band than any previous French composer of
church music. Secondly, he exploits to its fullest advantage the
customary Baroque technique of contrasting full orchestral and choral
forces with solo voices accompanied by just a few instruments. Thirdly,
and perhaps most significantly, Charpentier has a remarkable ability to
fuse the conflicting elements of drama and devotion into a unified whole,
coupled with an instinctive feel for ceremonial brilliance. These are the
qualities that strike one most in this wonderful work, and it seems
extraordinary that it is not more widely performed. |
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Those of you who watch
the Eurovision Song Contest will recognise the theme from the
opening prelude, which for many years has been the signature tune
for that competition. |
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John
Bawden
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To those using these notes You are more than
welcome to use all or part of these notes for your
choral society or church programme, or for educational
purposes. If you do, please would you be kind enough to
advise me by e-mail -
bawden37@sky.com - and would you also acknowledge my
authorship. If you wish to use these notes for
commercial purposes, e.g. a CD or DVD liner, please
contact me. Thank you.
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