Les Noces Royales de Louis XIV

Description

The wedding of Louis XIV to the Infanta of Spain on June 9, 1660, was an exceptional event, sealing the peace between two monarchies that had been opposed for centuries. The young king, at 21 years old, set off for thirteen months to traverse and discover his kingdom: 15,000 people and 8,000 horses, covering 3,200 km in 95 stages, culminating in the wedding at Saint-Jean-de-Luz! The grandest festivities were held during the nuptial ceremony, then along the route of Their Majesties, for their solemn entry into Paris, and finally for the opera given at the Louvre in honor of the newlyweds! The best composers contributed to the celebrations: the king's trumpets opened the concert, while the galleries of the church welcomed the symphony, the organ, and the motets of Du Mont; finally, the most beautiful excerpts from Cavalli's Xerxes and the ballets of Lully that accompanied them celebrated the Royal Wedding of Louis XIV through opera. Vincent Dumestre brings to life the musical splendors of the wedding of the century!