Michel-Richard de Lalande's in convertendo dominus a performing commentary /

by Lamb, Robert E.

This document presents a modern edition of Michel-Richard de Lalande’s motet In convertendo Dominus (1684; revised before 1726) along with information that choral conductors attempting to perform grands motets should find immediately useful. This particular grand motet is one of several by Lalande that have not previously been published in modern edition. The document presents a brief historical background of the Bourbon monarchy and the artistic climate that gave birth to the Versailles-style grand motet in the grand siècle. The origins of this genre are explored and the grand motet’s development is traced up through the works of Lalande to its popularity throughout the remainder of the eighteenth century at the Concert Spirituel. An overview of the primary sources of Lalande’s motets is presented, including facsimiles of title and dedication pages of several important manuscripts, along with translations and descriptions of their contents. An overview of current research and thought on the difficulties and ambiguities of French Baroque performance practice is included in hopes of encouraging performers who might otherwise be hesitant to essay such a study and performance. As we approach the three-hundred-fiftieth anniversary of Lalande’s birth, it is this author’s hope that this document will find its place in the growing body of research about his affective and exciting oeuvre. iii