La Gloire du Soleil

Amid the splendor and magnificence of the court, the ear of the young Louis XIV was awakened to the charms of the harpsichord. Surrounded by the most celebrated harpsichordists, he explored a world in which music was still a treasure passed from hand to hand. While French harpsichord building flourished, Jacques Champion de Chambonnières published the first printed scores in 1670. From immeasurable preludes to moving tombeaux steeped in subtle melancholy to delicate arrangements of popular melodies, the harpsichord of Louis XIV reflects an era of unparalleled musical richness. Brice Sailly's sublime interpretation emphasizes the splendor and diversity of this golden age of French harpsichord.