Le Sacre Royal de Louis XIV — Music by Moulinié, Boësset, and Philidor

June 7th, 1654: Louis XIV is crowned King of France in Reims. Tapestries and temporary galleries are set up in the cathedral, transforming it into a spectacular stage ready for the most impressive monarchical theatrics of the age. Dignitaries from all over Europe join members of the French ruling classes at the ceremony, all of whom remembered the splendid Ballet royal de la Nuit from the year before, a fantastical display of pageantry that elevated the young princeling as “the world’s greatest king”. Drawing inspiration from period sources and with the aid of the researcher Thomas Leconte, Sébastien Daucé and his ensemble Correspondances help us relive the historic coronation, performing precious musical gems from the time of the Sun King himself!

Photo: Sébastien Daucé © Diego Salamanca