Frédéric Desenclos direction

Formed in 1999 by the French organist Frédéric Desenclos, Ensemble Pierre Robert’s repertoire focuses on the French baroque composers of the Grand Siècle, ie the 17th century. The name of the ensemble pays tribute to one of the most acclaimed composers of his time. Pierre Robert was a ‘sous-maître de la Chapelle du Roi’, a task which he shared with another praised composer, Henry Du Mont, between 1662 and 1683. Sunk into oblivion, he is one of the many composers of ‘motets’ which Ensemble Pierre Robert wishes to bring back to life. The ensemble performs extensively in France and abroad as part of the Académie Bach d’Arques-la-Bataille, St-Michel-en-Thiérache, La Roque d’Anthéron, Couperin, Colla Voce in Poitiers, Paris Art Sacré, Utrecht and Lufthansa Baroque Music festivals as well as prestigious venues such as the Cité de la Musique in Paris, Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, Le Carreau de Forbach, La Passerelle de Niort, in Rochefort and Saintes’ theatres, and in Rennes Opera. The ensemble is also closely associated with the Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles where they regularly perform the results of their research into the interpretation of French Baroque music.

Sample Programme:

Portrait - Pierre Robert: Although successively Music Master at both the Chartres and Paris cathedrals, Chapel Master at the Royal Chapel and composer of the King’s Chamber, the works by Pierre Robert remain unknown; this programme of little motets will allow the listener to place his compositions in the context of the era.

Recordings:

Marc-Antoine Charpentier Méditations pour le Carême ALPHA 091; Henry du Mont Grands Motets pour la chapelle de Louis XIV au Louvre Editor’s Choice Gramophone July 2005 ALPHA 069; Daniel Danielis (1635-1696) Le Banquet Céleste ALPHA 045; Henry du Mont (1610-1684) Motets pour la Messe du Roy ALPHA 021l; François Couperin Messes pour orgue et Motets TEM 316028/29

Performances:

8 Jun 07 Stockholm Early Music Festival, Sweden
23 Sept 07 Festival de Pontoise, France
6 Dec 07 Concertgebouw, Amsterdam

Contact:

Catherine le Bris, CLB Management,
28 Earlsmead Road
London NW10 5QB

Tel: 020 8964 4513
Fax: 020 8964 4514

Email: clebris@clbmanagement.co.uk Website: www.clbmanagement.co.uk