Jean-Claude Malgoire, La Grande Ecurie et la Chambre du Roy - François-Joseph Gossec: Missa Pro Defunctis (2003)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 488 Mb | Total time: 90:45 | Scans included
Classical | Label: K617 | # K617152/2 | Recorded: 2002
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 488 Mb | Total time: 90:45 | Scans included
Classical | Label: K617 | # K617152/2 | Recorded: 2002
François-Joseph Gossec’s name is more often found in history books than on record collectors’ shelves. During his long life (1734-1829) he contributed to opera reform in Paris before the arrival and domination of Gluck, was one of the directors of the Concert Spirituel, and wrote 50 symphonies. In old age he became the foremost composer of French revolutionary themes, and the first anniversary of the fall of the Bastille was commemorated with a performance of his Te Deum that featured more than a thousand performers. The Missa pro defunctis initially had more modest origins. Also known as the ‘Messe des Morts’, it was first performed in 1760, and aroused notable reaction due to Gossec’s use of trombones, a novelty at the time.