William Christie
American-born French conductor and harpsichordist William Lincoln Christie was born in Buffalo, New York on 19 December 1944. He studied art history at Harvard and then music at Yale (including harpsichord with Ralph Kirkpatrick).
He moved to the UK in 1970 and then to France in 1971, taking French citizenship in 1995. He became known for his interpretations of Baroque music - particularly the French baroque - and in 1979 he founded his group Les Arts Florissants, with which he has performed many little-known works by composers including Campra, Charpentier, François Couperin, Henry Desmarest, Monteverdi and Rameau.
A selection of articles about William Christie
Classical music news. Solomon's Knot - Brown University's Lindemann Performing Arts Center opened recently, and Bach's Magnificat opens the Christmas season at London's Wigmore Hall
Spotlight. An Entrancing Programme - Gerald Fenech strongly recommends eighteenth century music for harp, played by Xavier de Maistre. 'At times mystical, at others immensely relaxing and uplifting, this is music coming down from above that soothes the soul and calms the mind.'
CD Spotlight. An Interesting History - Gerald Fenech listens to Marc-Antoine Charpentier's 'Le Malade Imaginaire'. 'William Christie and his Arts Florissants offer an interpretation that sparkles with a musical originality ...'
Ensemble. A Connolly Smorgasbord - A selection of performances by Sarah Connolly, as part of the Buxton International Festival Digital 2020 Season, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Translucent Sound - Harp music from Xavier de Maistre, appreciated by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are lusciously executed, and both soloist and orchestra are in perfect harmony ...'
CD Spotlight. Consummate Skill - William Christie's Les Arts Florissants, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... each piece comes to life with inimitable charm and grace.'
Ensemble. An Extraordinary Performance - 'The Enchanted Island' live in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Great Success - Willian Christie's 'The Enchanted Island', reviewed by Gregory Moomjy
CD Spotlight. Playing Rameau - Interpretations by Stephen Gutman, recommended by George Balcombe. '... not a million miles away from jazz.'
DVD Spotlight. A Glorious Time - Purcell's 'The Fairy Queen', recommended by Robert Anderson. '... tender expression and all requisite vim.'
DVD Spotlight. A Little Wizardry - Purcell's 'Dido and Aeneas', recommended by Robert Anderson. '... the playing is stylish and alert throughout.'
Ensemble. Strong Performances - Handel's 'Susanna' from Les Arts Florissants, assessed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Profoundly Beautiful - William Christie's 'Dido and Aeneas' impresses Robert Hugill
Ensemble. A Magisterial Presence - William Christie conducts Purcell's 'The Fairy Queen', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - 'Theodora' at the London Handel Festival, enjoyed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Light and Sprightly - Handel's 'Theodora', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Strong Narrative Flow - A new book about Monteverdi's musical dramas, reviewed by Robert Hugill
DVD Spotlight. High jinks - Rameau's 'Les Paladins', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a wealth of fine singing.'
DVD Spotlight. A Parisian disco? - Rameau's 'Les Indes galantes', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... Les Arts Florissants would triumph in any location.'
Ensemble. Gripping theatre - Robert Hugill experiences Zurich Opera's 'Radamisto'
Ensemble. Radiantly musical - Les Arts Florissants perform music by Charpentier, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Handelian metal - A concert performance of 'Serse', reviewed by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight - Showing paces. '... the oratorio performances can only give pleasure.' Charpentier's dramatic strengths, with Robert Anderson