For more than thirty years, the CMBV has been working to restore Henry Du Mont (1610–1684) to his rightful place, notably through the complete edition of his works, a project that is now nearing completion. With the publication of the seventh and final volume devoted to his grand motets, this concert marks an important milestone in the rediscovery of this major figure in French musical heritage, revealing several previously unpublished works.

Composed between 1666 and 1678 and published in 1686, these six grand motets reflect the evolution of Du Mont's style, from the early archetypes to the affirmation of this genre so emblematic of the reign of Louis XIV. They also bear witness to the aesthetics of power at its height, when the court moved to Versailles and music became a tool for artistic, spiritual and political influence.

In line with its ongoing work to promote this repertoire, the CMBV draws on the latest musicological research to offer an interpretation that is as faithful as possible to the practices of the time. The challenge is to try to recreate the ‘sound’ that Louis XIV wanted for his chapel, using similar numbers of performers to those in the Royal Chapel when the court moved to Versailles, and specific choices of vocal and instrumental colours characteristic of this very particular aesthetic.