William Christie is an esteemed conductor, harpsichordist, musicologist, and teacher known for his expertise in Baroque music. Born in Buffalo, New York, on December 19, 1944, he moved to France in 1971 and became a French citizen in 1975. Christie is the founder of Les Arts Florissants, an acclaimed music ensemble specializing in Baroque works, which he established in 1979. The ensemble is named after a short opera by French composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier, reflecting Christie's deep affinity for French Baroque music.

A celebrated figure in the revival of early music, Christie has distinguished himself through his engaging interpretations and scholarly approach to performances. His discography is expansive, delving deeply into the oeuvre of many key Baroque composers. Among his recent releases are meticulous live recordings of Haydn's Paris Symphonies and iconic works of Charpentier and Rameau like "Actéon" and "Platée." Christie's rendition of Handel's "L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato" is another testament to his versatility and command of the period. His passion for vocal music shines in live recordings of Monteverdi's operas "L'Orfeo" and "L'incoronazione di Poppea," as well as the intricate corners of J.S. Bach's "Mass in B Minor." Christie's explorations into Baroque chamber music are showcased in "Générations" and "Si vous vouliez un jour…airs serieux et à boire," where audiences are treated to the delicate interplay of violin and harpsichord. A true luminary in his field, William Christie continues to educate and inspire with his deep understanding and vibrant performances of Baroque music.

Genres

Classical Performance

Opera

Related Artists

Marc Minkowski

Philippe Herreweghe

Trevor Pinnock

John Eliot Gardiner

Jordi Savall

Ton Koopman

René Jacobs

Les Arts Florissants

Christophe Rousset

Johann Sebastian Bach

Antonio Vivaldi

Gustav Leonhardt

Latest Release

Marais: Pièces de viole, Book 5, Suite No. 1 in A Minor: VII. Menuet - Double

Marin Marais•

Myriam Rignol•

William Christie

Single - Released November 1, 2024