Jean-Joseph Cassanea de Mondonville (1711 - 1772)

De Profundis, Venite Exultemus



Gillian Fisher - soprano
Charles Daniels - tenor
Stephen Varcoe - bass

London Baroque
The Choir of New College, Oxford

Edward Higginbottom - conductor, harpsichord


Mondonville was a younger contemporary of Rameau. The two main pieces here are the grand motets, Venite exultemus and De Profundis but there are three small solo motets too with a strong flavour of the rococo salon, adding to our picture of a gifted, successful but nowadays infrequently performed composer.

These are straightforward compositions written just preceding the French Revolution. They breathe the celebratory pomp and pageantry evident in the grand courts of the French kings. One immediately notices a succinct style that permeates each of the five pieces although the main works last over twenty minutes with the others more concise pieces. 'Venite exultemus' is full of grand panegyrics and pomposity; the choral writing somewhat reminiscent of Lully and at times, Rameau. Some of it can get dullish, especially the almost interminable 'De profundis' which is distinctly lacking in melodic inspiration. Soloists and orchestras turn out fine performances and it is difficult to find such rare repertoire at the Helios bargain price. For that and the superb artistic presentation, this CD is definitely recommended.


Venite, exultemus
01. Venite, exultemus
02. Quoniam Deus
03. Quoniam ipsius
04. Venite, adoremus
05. Quia ipsa est Dominus
06. Hodie si vocem
07. Sicut in exacerbatione
08. Quadraginta annos
09. Gloria

10. Regna terrae
11. In decachordo psalterio

De profundis
12. De profundis clamavi
13. Fiant aures
14. Quia apud
15. A custodia
16. Quia apud Dominum
17. Et ipse redimet
18. Requiem aeternam

19. Benefac Domine


Total Time: 61'35