Le Monde de Sainte-Colombe

Album Description

Les Voix Humaines presents 'Le Monde de Sainte-Colombe', a captivating compilation of 12 beloved concerts by the renowned French composer Jean de Sainte-Colombe. This exquisite album, released on 1 June 2019 by ATMA Classique, is a testament to the duo's mastery of the viola da gamba, an instrument Sainte-Colombe himself was celebrated for playing.

The album is a carefully curated selection of the most cherished and frequently performed concerts by Les Voix Humaines, comprising Susie Napper and Margaret Little. With a duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, 'Le Monde de Sainte-Colombe' is a rich and immersive listening experience, featuring intricate and beautiful pieces such as 'Le changé', 'Le tendre', and 'La boutade'.

Jean de Sainte-Colombe, a prominent figure in the Baroque period, is credited with innovating the viola da gamba by adding a seventh string. His compositions, as showcased in this album, demonstrate a profound understanding of the instrument's capabilities and a deep sense of musical expression.

Les Voix Humaines' interpretation of Sainte-Colombe's works is characterized by their technical prowess and emotional depth, making 'Le Monde de Sainte-Colombe' an essential listening experience for fans of Baroque music. Despite being categorized under Taiwanese pop, the album's true genre lies in the realm of classical music, specifically the Baroque period. With its release on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, 'Le Monde de Sainte-Colombe' is readily available for those who appreciate the beauty and elegance of Sainte-Colombe's compositions, masterfully performed by Les Voix Humaines.

1 jun 2019

℗ 2019 ATMA Classique

About Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe

Jean de Sainte-Colombe, often referred to as Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe, was a renowned French composer and violist of the Baroque era, born around 1640 and active until his death circa 1700. A celebrated master of the viola da gamba, Sainte-Colombe is credited with innovating the instrument by adding a seventh string, tuned to the note AA (A1), enhancing its tonal range and expressive capabilities. His musical legacy, though shrouded in mystery for many years, was brought to light with the discovery of his "Concerts à deux violes égales" in Geneva in 1966. These works, full of inspiration and technical demand, showcase his innovative use of the viola da gamba's full range. Sainte-Colombe's influence extended to notable students, including the esteemed Marin Marais and Jean Rousseau. His compositions, characterized by their vivid expression and delicate phrasing, continue to captivate audiences and inspire musicians today.