Mont: Christus natus est (Noël)

Trained in the former Prince-Bishopric of Liège not only to respect the polyphonic tradition but also to be open to new Italian influences, Henry Du Mont went on to become organist and composer at the church of Saint-Paul in Paris before becoming Maître de chapelle for Louis XIV at Versailles. Ricercar is proud to launch a collection of recordings dedicated to this composer of the Grand Siècle; this first recording explores the works that were initially composed for his city parish. The novel features present in his Cantica Sacra must have impressed the ears of the Parisians at the midpoint of the 17th century. In 2010, the 400th anniversary of Du Mont’s birth is celebrated.

The celebration of the Nativity has always been a source of inspiration for composers. The different elements of the evangelical narrative evoke numerous images: tender feelings before the Baby Jesus; the gentleness of his mother, the Virgin Mary; the procession of the three Wise Men; the angelic choirs in Heaven; and these shepherds gathered in the manger.

All that appears in the musical repertoire linked to this holiday, as well as the presence of colourful instrumentations and themes connected to folk traditions. This set, released by Ricercar, brings together all these elements, drawn from the repertoires of the Renaissance and Baroque eras.