Charpentier: Te Deum et Psaumes des Tenebres (Chapelle royale du Chateau de Versailles)

The Te Deum, which dates from about 1692, was probably written for the great Jesuit church of St. Paul in Rue St. Antoine, when he was Maitre de Musique there. Its brilliance and powerful dramatic impact suggest that it must have been written in celebration of some special occasion, such as the recent French victory at Steinkerque on August 3rd, 1692.