Symphonies pour les Soupers du Roi: the nature and role of court music

2019 / 2020 academic year

Focusing on the iconic Symphonies pour les Soupers du Roi, the CMBV has embarked on a joint 3-year research project into the composition and the role of music in court ceremonials.

Michel-Richard de Lalande’s series of Symphonies pour les Soupers du Roi  are landmark examples of 17th and 18th century French music, although paradoxically they are very little known. This ceremonial music was written for the two violin ensembles at the French court (the Petits Violons and the Vingt-quatre Violons du Roi) and is typical of orchestra repertoire. Out of this vast musical formation (numbering over 300 instruments) amassed over three different periods (1703, 1727 & 1736-1745), only those at both ends of polyphony were retained. This project seeks to investigate the distinctive texture and composition style of the Symphonies and their specific features. It has led to a more general investigation of the historical aspects of the Grand Couvert court dining ritual, and the role of music in curial life: how it was devised and produced, and its specific features. Restoring these works is part of a digital publishing project designed to showcase French musical heritage. It involves pooling scientific and musical resources and pedagogical collaboration with Early Music conservatoires.

2019-2020 has been earmarked for the start of the project. It will involve the creation of a research team, the design of a digital publication, a final recording of the three collections of Symphonies, and the start of artistic and academic collaboration.