Lully’s Te Deum

Royal Chapel of Versailles

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Location

Royal Chapel of Versailles
1 Place Léon Gambetta, 78000 Versailles
Capacity 800 seats

Duration

1h 30m

No intermission


Details

Classical concert

For all audiences

In Latin

 


Highlights: Lully’s Te Deum

Te Deum, created in 1677, at the Chapel of Fontainebleau, was composed for the baptism of his son, whose godfather was none other than the Sun King. It is followed by a no less fascinating grand motet, Exaudiat te Dominus.

At the Royal Chapel of Versailles this year, you can enjoy an evening entirely devoted to Giovanni Battista Lulli (1632-1687), also known as… Jean-Baptiste Lully! This renowned baroque composer was born in Italy, then travelled to France, where he was made superintendent of the royal music and music master of the royal family by a young Louis XIV. He went on to become one of the most popular French composers of his time, influencing an array of composers, including Henry Purcell, George Fridric Handel and Jean-Philippe Rameau. In a beautiful evening of baroque music, you can hear his dazzling Te Deum, which was composed in 1677 at the Chapel of Fontainebleau for the baptism of his son, whose godfather was none other than Louis XIV himself. It will be followed by the no less enchanting grand motet, Exaudiat te Dominus.

 

 

See details for a premium option below!

Story: Lully’s Te Deum

The Te Deum, a contraction of Te Deum laudamus (meaning “We praise you, O God”) is a Latin Christian hymn. The great Baroque composer Jean-Baptiste Lully put his own stamp on the formula and dedicated his version of the hymn to King Louis XIV. His Te Deum became the most performed religious piece of its time and could be heard at regal events of all kinds: the king’s recovery from surgery, a military victory or a royal wedding. Under the direction of French conductor Stéphane Fuget, the expert singers of the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles join Fuget’s own ensemble Les Épopées. Together, they shed light on the dazzling complexity of a piece that reverberates with the triumphant sounds of trumpet and timpani. Another of Lully’s masterpieces, the grand motet Exaudiat te Dominus, will round off this spectacular evening in the Royal Chapel of Versailles. Could there be a more glorious venue for these two timeless pieces?

 

 

Premium experience & option

Looking for more than a standard ticket to the show? To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose this exclusive offer at the time of booking:

 

Champagne + Programme + Show

This offer includes a glass of champagne and a printed programme, as well as exclusive access to the best two seating categories.

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Royal Chapel of Versailles

1 Place Léon Gambetta, 78000 Versailles

History and Fun Facts about the Royal Chapel of Versailles

 

If buildings could talk, what would they say? Certainly, the Royal Chapel of Versailles could tell a tale or two! After all, it was the venue for the marriage between the last king and queen of France: Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The chapel’s construction was completed in 1710 during the reign of Louis XVI’s great-great-great-grandfather, Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King. It was the fifth and final chapel to be built at the Palace of Versailles, and it was consecrated to Saint Louis, the patron saint of the king, as well as one of the king’s ancestors.

 

 

The architecture itself references this lineage, through several similarities with the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, which Saint Louis had founded, as well as in the emblazoned double-L motif on the altar symbolizing the saint, and the Sun King together. The vaulted ceiling of the Royal Chapel of Versailles was constructed by Hardouin-Mansart, without the use of transvers ribs, in order to create a vast, uninterrupted depiction of the Holy Trinity, above the heads of the congregation. For decades, this painting would look down on the French Royal Family as they took their daily mass, an event which became renowned across Europe for its use of music, played on a huge organ designed by Cliquot.

 

 

The Royal Chapel of Versailles also incorporates classical-inspired designs in its impressive colonnades, which we have come to associate with the Neoclassical boom of the 18th century, however, the chapel’s construction was completed long before the movement really came to prominence, showing that its architects were truly ahead of their time. Since the chapel’s deconsecration in the 19th century, it has become a go-to venue for classical concerts, and so it should be, having been the epicenter of European music in centuries gone by. What better place to experience the history of music!

 

 

 

Fast facts
Capacity: 800
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Air conditioning: No
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)

 

FAQ

How do I get to the Royal Chapel of Versailles?

You may access the Royal Chapel of Versailles by RER C at Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, by using lines N and U of the Transilien at Versailles Chantiers station and also by line L at Versailles Rive Droite station. The Royal Chapel of Versailles is also accessible by bus line 171. The chapel is located on the grounds of the castle. Access is via Door B (on the right in the cour d’honneur, near the Royal Chapel). For more information, please see the map above. In case of any difficulty, you may contact our customer service on weekdays from 10 am to 7 pm.

What do I do when I get to the Royal Chapel of Versailles?

We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of Lully’s Te Deum. Show your ticket at reception and the staff will take care of you.

Can I take photos during Te Deum?

In order not to disturb the artists and for the comfort of other spectators, it is forbidden to take pictures during Lully’s Te Deum. However, you can take photos of the Royal Chapel before and after the performance to remember your gorgeous Parisian evening!

How long does Te Deum last?

Lully’s Te Deum lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, with no intermission.

Is tipping customary?

Each spectator is greeted in the hall by an usher who will lead them to the seat. According to custom at the Royal Chapel of Versailles, ushers may request a tip which you may grant if you wish. It is by no means mandatory.