A unique collection of French motets for upper voices, sung by the acclaimed children’s choir La Maîtrise de Toulouse, under the direction of their founder, British conductor Mark Opstad.

Charting the chronological development of the French motet for upper voices, this disc opens with works by two late 16th century composers, proceeds via four exquisite and unknown 17th and 18th century works with continuo, 19th and 20th century works with organ (including familiar works by Fauré and Poulenc, accompanied by the recent French symphonic style organ in the Temple du Salin in Toulouse), and ends with two 21st century motets written for La Maîtrise de Toulouse by Patrice Libes and Marc Bleuse – the latter’s setting of Psalm 30 a staggeringly virtuoso contemporary work for soprano solo, 4-part treble voices and 5 timpani.

La Maîtrise de Toulouse is one of the recently-founded children’s choirs supported by the French government in larger cities, to encourage singing amongst musically-able children. The children’s musical and general education is overseen by the Toulouse Conservatoire.

This is a world-class choir which sings with vibrancy and vigour, and brings drama and colour to this collection of French sacred music.

This is their second recording on the Regent label. Missa Brevis [REGCD340], released in 2012, received consistently outstanding reviews.