Scientific Committee
- Rémy Campos (CNSMDP / HEM Genève - Neuchâtel - HES-SO)
- Thierry Favier (University of Poitiers - IUF)
- Bénédicte Hertz (CMBV - CESR)
- Thomas Leconte (CMBV - CESR)
- Deborah Mawer (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire)
To mark the 300th anniversary of the death of Michel-Richard de Lalande (1657–1726), the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles is organising, in partnership with the Maison Française d’Oxford, the international conference “Lalande’s Legacy: from Fame to Posterity”, which explores the reputation and legacy of this major figure in French musical heritage.
Lalande’s death in 1726 did not in any way put an end to the dissemination of his works; on the contrary, it marked the beginning of a remarkably long-lasting posterity, unique in the French musical landscape. From the decades immediately following his death through to the Revolution, and beyond, his grands motets for large chorus — as well as various vocal and instrumental pieces — remained firmly rooted in liturgical and concert practices at court, in Paris and throughout the provinces: the Chapelle royale, the Concert Spirituel, cathedrals and collegiate churches, and concert societies continued to programme them successfully. In the 19th and 20th centuries, his name resurfaced through the revival of maîtrises, emerging musicological endeavours, the first editions and later recordings, ushering in a new phase of recognition that continues and is even renewed today.
These discussions invite reflection on the construction of a genuine and singular musical “presence”, bringing together historical, musicological, philological, sociological and performance-based approaches.
Event
CONCERT
Saturday 21 November 2026 – 7 pm
University Church, Oxford, Royaume-Uni
Instruments of Time & Truth
Oxford Consort of Voices
Conducted by Edward Higginbottom
Programme :
Henry Purcell, Ode for St Cecilia's Day (1692)
Michel-Richard de Lalande, Dies iræ (1690)
G.F. Handel, My heart is inditing (1727)
