Under Mazarin's watchful eye
 

Majestic, imposing, overwhelming… Lully’s figure dominates 17th-century French music, so much so that the works of his predecessors and rivals - Mazuel, Dumanoir, Belleville, Lazarini, Mollier - have largely been forgotten. These “pre-Lullists,” violinists, composers, and dancers associated with the royal Vingt-quatre violons, created the instrumental Entrées danced by the nobility in lavish court ballets, while vocal airs by masters like Chancy, Cambefort, Boesset fils, and Le Camus accompanied them.

Italian composers, invited by Cardinal Mazarin - such as Luigi Rossi and Carlo Caproli - briefly introduced their rich operatic style to the French court, leaving a striking impression despite initial resistance.

Ensemble Diderot teams up with soprano Emmanuelle De Negri to revive this vibrant, eclectic musical world, offering a glimpse into the artistry and grandeur of a turbulent era.