Expecting an agreeable sequence of table music, I was surprised by the richness and depth of this music for Louis XIV. Michel-Richard Delalande (1657-1726) was one of the king’s favourite composers, and served him for more than 40 years, writing over 300 movements to accompany the king’s meals, which were essentially sophisticated public ceremonials. There are touching and lively dances and airs, a wistful, bassoon-led trio and a noble passacaglia. Best of all is the Grande pièce en G, a “Fantasia or Caprice Which the King Often Demanded”. A word of caution: these pieces have been scored up by Jörg Jacob from the published outlines; the deft wind playing is preferable to the rather bulging string sound. Inspired by the river Elbe, this Hamburg ensemble under Jürgen Gross flows well.
