The Duty of the First Commandment (Die Schuldigkeit des Ersten gebots) is the first sacred drama written by Mozart. All of the composer’s talent is already evident in this work, his enthusiasm for operatic writing and his love of the theater. It is also a fine example of a bridge between Baroque and Classical music. One cannot help but be dazzled by the skill and mastery of the orchestral and vocal writing, truly astonishing for a boy barely eleven years old!

This work is presented as an allegorical dialogue. In a spiritual setting, two celestial figures—Mercy and Justice—discuss the fate of a man, the lukewarm Christian, who has forsaken God. Mercy wants to give him a chance, while Justice demands that he be punished if he continues in this way. To help him, they send the Christian Spirit, who attempts to awaken the Christian from his spiritual indifference. But the World, the embodiment of earthly temptations, comes to flatter him and lull him back to sleep, dragging him ever further from true values. After an inner struggle and a frightening dream, he awakens to faith and repentance.

At the head of the Ensemble Il Caravaggio, which she founded, Camille Delaforge, also a harpsichordist, brings a fresh perspective to this historical repertoire.

Ensemble in residence at the Saint-Denis Festival as part of the DRAC Île-de-France festival aid

Before heading into the Basilica, take the time to stroll with Loïc Boissier, a passionate cartographer, for a sensitive exploration of the streets of Saint-Denis. This stroll will be an opportunity to explore Mozart’s life, his travels to Paris, London, and perhaps even Saint-Denis. A guided stroll combining history, music, and urban planning.
Free registration

On June 19 and 22, due to an event at the Stade de France, traffic and public transportation may be disrupted. Please plan ahead for your arrival at the concerts.