King Philip V of Spain (1683-1746), grandson of Louis XIV, ascended the Spanish throne in 1700 and deployed active foreign policies from1722, notably marrying his daughter Marie-Anne-Victoire of Spain to the young King Louis XV, and marrying his eldest son, Dauphin Louis of Spain, Prince of Asturia, to Louise-Elisabeth, daughter of Philippe d’Orléans, Regent of France.

Philippe V abdicated in 1724 in favour of his son Louis, in order to secure the new alliance with France. At the age of 17, Louis I became King of Spain on the 15^th January 1724. He sadly died of smallpox on 31^st August 1724, leaving no heir.

Louis the Beloved (as he was known) reigned for only 150 days but a splendid Requiem for double choir was composed for his funeral by José de Torrès (1670-1738), chapelmaster in Madrid for thirty one years. The piece has been revived by talented young Alberto Miguélez Rouco, conducting French and Spanish musicians in this unique programme. The Royal Chapel in Versailles will resound with music from the Real Capella de Madrid!