K617 is a French classical music record label based in Metz and founded by Alain Pacquier, music author and creator of the Festival de Saintes at the Abbaye aux Dames in Charente-Maritime,[1] and the Festival de Sarrebourg (July)[2] at the Couvent de Saint Ulrich.[3] The name "K617" refers to Mozart's Adagio and Rondo for glass harmonica, flute, oboe, viola and cello, K.617).
The activity for which the label was initially most noted relates to a project of Pacquier's, les Chemins du Baroque, exploration of Latin-America's baroque musical heritage.[4][5][6] Pacquier's second book Le retour des caravelles recounts the story of 20 years of exploration of Latin-American baroque music.[7]
A second strand of K617's activity relates to music of Lorraine.[8] This series has recovered various forgotten works of Théodore Gouvy (1819-1898): Requiem, Stabat Mater, dramatic cantatas (Elektra, Egill) and chamber music (string quartets and works for wind ensembles).
The label has also branched out in a variety of more and less conventional early music and classical recordings. The "travels" of K617 extend to Poland, Marcin Mielczewski, and Jesuit missions in China, Jean Joseph Marie Amiot.