Another demonstration from Arcangelo of exactly why they maintain so stellar a reputation as one of today’s leading early music ensembles. With contributions from tenor Samuel Boden and baritone Stéphane Degout, this exquisite programme of sacred music by Charpentier is a major addition to the discography of the French Baroque.

These performances by Arcangelo of the Litanies and Magnificat are unfailingly expert, with ornamentation gracefully integrated. The performances of the Leçons have a greater focus and intensity than those of the Litanies. The baritone Stéphane Degout and the tenor Samuel Boden strike a fine balance between the meditative aspects and the near-operatic drama of the words from the Lamentations of Jeremiah. BBC ****