MARC-ANTOINE CHARPENTIER (1643-1704): Pour un reposoir for Choir, Strings and Continuo, H. 508, 14 Noëls sur les instruments for Organ, Choir, 2 Flutes, Strings and Continuo, H. 531 & 534), Sonate à 8 for 2 Violins, 2 Flutes, Bass Viol, Bass Violin, Theorbo and Harpsichord, H. 548.

Description: Examples of Charpentier's instrumental music of three types: the Sonate one of the first pieces of French chamber music to use violins, prompted by the discovery of Italian violin sonatas (Couperin also did this at almost the same time); Pour un reposoir is music for the carrying of the Holy Sacrament to the altar and includes two brief Gregorian chants; the Noëls are also semi-liturgical - intended for performance between a series of Advent responses for three voices and continuo. (The responses are not included but words to four of the carols, which are traditional, are sung; the remainder are for organ and instruments.). French-English texts. Freddy Eichelberger (organ of Our Lady Basilica, Tongeren), Namur Chamber Choir - Les Solistes, Les Dominos, Les Agrémens; Florence Malgoire.