The Mirrors of Versailles
Baroque splendour at the court of the Sun King and its European reflections
Works by G. F. Händel, M.-A. Charpentier, M.-R. Delalande and J. F. Fasch, among others
Festive music from France, Germany and England for large wind ensemble on period instruments
Musical direction and conception: Johann Plietzsch
Baroque Trumpet Ensemble Berlin
40, 30, 20 €
It is the symbol of Baroque might and splendour – the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles, the most famous room in the gigantic pleasure palace that Louis XIV had built near Paris and made his seat. All the crowned heads of Europe took this extravagance as their model, and reflections of Versailles – figuratively speaking – are also to be found in the architecture, fine arts and music of the neighbouring countries. In this concert, we will therefore be hearing a number of compositions written for court occasions and intended for grandiose outdoor performances. The best-known is without a doubt the Fireworks Music by George Frideric Handel, performed in its original version of 1749. In addition to these are two works for the court of Louis XIV: a symphony by the then conductor of the Chapelle Royale, Michel Richard Delalande, and one by his colleague, Marc-Antoine Charpentier. Lastly, you can hear a magnificent instrumental concerto by the Zerbst court musician, Johann Friedrich Fasch.