Symphonies for the King's Suppers

In these new reconstructions of Delalande's all-too-rare "table music" for the French court of Louis XIV - on CD for the first time - the music is performed in the original five-part textures and on period instruments. Immediately after starting in his post as Superintendent of the House Music in 1689, Delalande began composing instrumental movements. These suites were chiefly intended for the king's suppers which, in reality, were "performances" before an audience. It was an honor to be allowed to watch the king eat, a greater honor to be spoken to during the meal, and a supreme honor to be invited to serve him his food or eat with him. In this context, instrumental music played an important role, it's magnificence reflecting the regent's powerful self-image. Since new works were continually being demanded, this practice resulted, over the course of the years, in an impressive body of works.