Michel Richard Delalande (also known as Michel-Richard de Lalande) was a French Baroque composer and musician born on December 15, 1657, who played a significant role in the music scene of his time, particularly during the reign of Louis XIV. Serving as one of the most prominent composers for the court of King Louis XIV, Delalande is most recognized for his religious compositions and his role as the master of the French grand motet, a genre he helped to perfect during the Baroque era.

Michel Richard Delalande was appointed as the maître de musique (music master) of the Chapelle Royale (Royal Chapel) at Versailles and held the prestigious position of Surintendant de la Musique de la Chambre du Roi (Superintendent of the King's Chamber Music). His compositions displayed an extraordinary blend of grandeur and solemnity which perfectly matched the ceremonial magnificence of the court. Delalande's output includes a variety of orchestral suites called "Symphonies pour les soupers du Roy," motets, and sacred music designed for the acoustic splendor of the Versailles chapel, such as "Grands Motets," and "Dies Irae." His legacy is reflected in the resplendence of the French Baroque era, and his music continues to be celebrated for its elegance and emotive power as seen in modern releases and remasters of his work.

Genres

Baroque

Classical Era

French Baroque

Latest Release

Lalande: Exaltabo te, Deus meus Rex, S. 76 & Nisi Dominus aedificaverit, S. 42 (Remastered 2022)

Michel Richard Delalande•

Louis Frémaux

Album - 13 Tracks - Released December 2, 2022