Jean-Christophe Candau

**Jean-Christophe Candau** is a French conductor, musicologist, and early music specialist dedicated to reviving Renaissance and Baroque sacred music. As the founder and director of the vocal ensemble **Les Meslanges**, he focuses on unearthing overlooked treasures from 16th- and 17th-century European repertoires, particularly works tied to royal chapels, convents, and historical liturgies. His projects often blend meticulous research with expressive performance, breathing life into composers like Antoine de Févin, Pierre Certon, and Guillaume Couperin. Recent releases, such as *Heredia: Missa Pro Defunctis* and *Trésors des Couvents*, highlight his knack for spotlighting forgotten masterpieces, while *L'épopée d'Annibal Gantez* showcases his playful approach to storytelling through music.

Candau’s work frequently explores unconventional instruments, like the hand-cranked organ (*orgue à manivelle*) featured in *Les Chantres et la Manivelle*, merging historical authenticity with inventive flair. His recordings for labels like **Éditions Hortus** and **Triton** have earned acclaim for their clarity and emotional depth, making centuries-old compositions feel fresh and resonant. Whether reconstructing royal motets or colonial New World sacred music, Candau bridges the gap between academia and artistry, inviting listeners to time-travel through sound.

Genres

Requiem

Gregorian Chant

Latest Release

Heredia: Missa Pro Defunctis

Jean-Christophe Candau•

Vox Cantoris

Album - 12 Tracks - Released December 1, 2019