Today is the 250th anniversary of the death of one of Europe's greatest Baroque composers, whose music continues to sparkle and dazzle, stir our feelings and plumb the depths of our souls. Here is a magnificent all-Rameau concert with the Musiciens de Louvre, conducted by the great Marc Minkowski:
Also, suites of several of Rameau's most famous stage works, with Le Concert des Nations conducted by Jordi Savall at the Royal Opera of the Château de Versailles, where several of his works premiered:
As traditional Catholics, we must not forget one of Rameau's rare and exquisite motets, his setting of Psalm 125, In convertendo Dominus, a psalm so appropriate to the contemporary situation in the Church and in the world:
[1] When the lord brought back the captivity of Sion, we became like men comforted.
Canticum graduum. In convertendo Dominus captivitatem Sion, facti sumus sicut consolati.
[2] Then was our mouth filled with gladness; and our tongue with joy. Then shall they say among the Gentiles: The Lord hath done great things for them.
Tunc repletum est gaudio os nostrum, et lingua nostra exsultatione. Tunc dicent inter gentes: Magnificavit Dominus facere cum eis.
[3] The Lord hath done great things for us: we are become joyful.
Magnificavit Dominus facere nobiscum; facti sumus laetantes.
[4] Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as a stream in the south.
Converte, Domine, captivitatem nostram, sicut torrens in austro.
[5] They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Qui seminant in lacrimis, in exsultatione metent.
[6] Going they went and wept, casting their seeds.
Euntes ibant et flebant, mittentes semina sua.
[7] But coming they shall come with joyfulness, carrying their sheaves.
Venientes autem venient cum exsultatione, portantes manipulos suos.
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[Rorate note: You may find much more information on the life and works of Jean-Philippe Rameau in the extensive and beautiful page dedicated to his 250th anniversary, mostly in French but also in English, created by the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles - CMBV - the first image comes from it. The Youtube Channel of the CMBV also includes many special Rameau videos, among many others.]
