Charpentier: Messe de Minuit pour Noël, H 9

Description

Probably composed in 1690, the Messe de Minuit, H 9, is perhaps Marc-Antoine Charpentier's best-known composition after the Te Deum, H 146. The special appeal of this "Mass for the Midnight Service on Christmas Eve" lies in its use of no fewer than ten traditional French carols while impressively revealing Charpentier's mastery of the concertante style. The eight solo vocalists (SSAATTBB) can easily be taken from the chorus. They are divided into three groups – one group of two sopranos and two groups each comprising alto, tenor and bass – which interact with the chorus and instruments.