This latest release from Novum is a CD of motets by François Couperin (1668-1733), the greatest figure in the French musical scene of the early 18th century. Everybody knows his fabulous harpsichord pieces, few his equally fabulous motets.  Why? Many of them were effectively lost for over 200 years, and some have survived only in incomplete form. As a result, the motets are a sorely neglected part of his output. 

This New College release puts that right. Around half the CD is of music never before recorded. The incomplete sources - violin parts lost soon after composition - have been reconstituted here by Edward Higginbottom, musicologist as well as Director of New College Choir.

The CD features solo voices from New College Choir, including two exceptional trebles and a real hautecontre, together with an instrumental ensemble of distinguished baroque players, the whole ensemble directed from the keyboard by Edward Higginbottom.

Contents:
[1] Resonent organa a 3 et symphonies. Pro Sancta Cecilia (reconstruction by Edward Higginbottom)
Soloists: Jonty Ward, Guy Cutting, George Coltart
[2] Tantum ergo sacramentum a 3
Soloists: Jonty Ward, Inigo Jones
[3] Ornate aras.  Elevation a voix seule et Symphonie (reconstruction by Edward Higginbottom)
Soloist: Guy Cutting
[4] Lauda Sion Salvatorem. Elevation a 2
Soloists: Jonty Ward, Inigo Jones
[5] O Domine quia refugium. Precatio ad Deum a 3
Soloists: Nick Pritchard, Tom Edwards
[6] O misterium ineffabile. Elevation
Soloists: Jonty Ward, George Coltart
[7] Ad te levavi oculos meos a voix seule et symphonie. Psal. [122]
Soloist: George Coltart
[8] Domine salvum fac Regem a 2
Soloists: Jonty Ward, George Coltart
[9] Exultent superi a 3 et symphonie (reconstruction by  Edward Higginbottom)
Soloists: Jonty Ward, Guy Cutting, George Coltart