Louis XIV turned one of his father's hunting lodges near Paris into the palace of palaces: and every prince dreamed of living in the shining splendour of Versailles. The spectacular festivities held in the illuminated gardens became legend a long time ago, but they were not the only venue for celebrations. The "ballets de cour" saw the courtiers themselves dancing in splendiferous costumes following sophisticated choreographies. The opera mirrors the pomp of gallant royal parties by putting them on stage and the audience returns its favourite dances back to the ballroom. Music, dance and theatre are the very essence of royal celebrations. Jordi Savall and his top ensemble bring sparkling orchestral joy to this threefold royal fête de la musique - with fireworks the Sun King could only dream of.