Campra: Requiem & Miserere

Album information

THE ENDURING BEAUTY OF CAMPRA’S SACRED MASTERPIECES

Les Arts Florissants, one of the world’s most renowned Baroque ensembles, joins forces with legendary founder and artistic director William Christie for a landmark release: the first complete recording of André Campra’s Requiem, paired with his profoundly moving Miserere. These works, filled with clarity, grace, and emotional power, offer a deeply personal and spiritual listening experience. Campra’s music speaks straight to the soul, with harmonies that are subtle, expressive, and timeless. Performed on period instruments at original French pitch and shaped by authentic ensemble forces, this recording is a masterclass in historically informed performance, true to Campra’s era, and brought vividly to life by musicians at the top of their craft.

With its unmistakably rich and nuanced sound, Les Arts Florissants infuses every phrase with the elegance of French musical heritage, even in Latin texts shaped by the unique French pronunciation of the time. This is more than a recording, it’s a rediscovery of one of sacred music’s most refined voices. Though Campra’s genius has long been underappreciated, this release brings his spiritual artistry to the forefront for a new generation. A powerful listening experience and a milestone debut for Les Arts Florissants and William Christie on PENTATONE, this album is an essential addition to any collection of great sacred choral works.

Released physically on standard CD.

REVIEWS:

Opus HD – Opus d’Or: “An essential release for lovers of French sacred music, and a milestone in the rediscovery of the 18th-century liturgical repertoire.”

Scherzo: “Christie’s conducting is, once again, an example of balance between expressiveness and elegance, between meticulous attention to detail and an overall architectural vision… We are faced with a benchmark version of a composition that is essential listening.”

Le Devoir – Four stars

2026 ICMA AWARD NOMINATION

ResMusica – La Clef Award: “But the true star is undoubtedly the choir, with its admirable projection, which literally sculpts the text. Once again, Les Arts Florissants are in their element here.”

Luister – Top 10 for December: “With these respectful and sensitive performances of Campra’s Requiem (circa 1695) and Miserere (1725-26), Les Arts Florissants, conducted by William Christie, offers two inspiring examples of music of great beauty and high emotional charge, which the listener can discover in all its originality.”