Immerse yourself in the exquisite world of Baroque music with Robert de Visée's "De Visée: Suites de danses." This captivating album, released in 1993 under Warner Classics, showcases the masterful compositions of Robert de Visée, a renowned French lutenist and guitarist of the 17th century. Spanning 57 minutes, the album features 31 tracks that beautifully encapsulate the elegance and intricacy of the Baroque period.
The album is a collection of suites, each consisting of a series of dance movements that were popular in the courts of Europe during the Baroque era. These suites include preludes, allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, gigues, and other dance forms, each performed with a level of technical prowess and artistic sensitivity that brings the music to life. The suites are performed on the theorbo, a plucked string instrument that was widely used in the Baroque era, adding a rich and resonant texture to the music.
Highlights of the album include the "Suite No. 3 en mi mineur," with its delicate and expressive preludes, and the "Suite No. 7 en la mineur," featuring the elegant "Allemande 'La Royalle'" and the lively "Rondeau 'La Mascarade'." The "Suite No. 10 en ut mineur" is particularly notable for its poignant "Tombeau des Mesdemoiselles de Visée 'La plainte'," a tribute to the artist's daughters.
Pascal Monteilhet's performance on this album is nothing short of outstanding. His interpretation of de Visée's music is both authentic and innovative, capturing the spirit of the Baroque era while also bringing a fresh perspective to these timeless compositions. The album is a testament to Monteilhet's skill as a musician and his deep understanding of the music of this period.
"De Visée: Suites de danses" is not just an album; it is a journey through the rich and diverse world of Baroque music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that is sure to delight and inspire.
Robert de Visée (1652-1730) was a virtuoso musician and composer of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, renowned for his mastery of the guitar, theorbo, lute, and viol. Born in La Flèche, France, de Visée's talent quickly earned him a prestigious position at the courts of King Louis XIV and King Louis XV. His prolific output includes a wealth of compositions for his instruments of choice, showcasing his deep understanding of the Baroque style and his exceptional skill as a performer. De Visée's music, characterized by its elegance and technical brilliance, continues to captivate audiences and inspire musicians today. His works, such as the enchanting "Suite in D Major" and the dramatic "Chaconne in A Minor," offer a glimpse into the opulent world of French Baroque music, making him a pivotal figure in the history of European art music.
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Robert de Visée
