Marin Marais: Pièces de violes Cinquième livre

Album Description

Dive into the rich, intricate world of Baroque music with Marin Marais' "Pièces de violes Cinquième livre," a captivating collection of suites that showcase the composer's mastery of the viola da gamba. Released in 2016 by Daphne Records, this album is a testament to Marais' enduring legacy, offering a blend of elegance and virtuosity that has captivated audiences for centuries. The album spans 57 minutes, featuring 25 tracks that span three suites in different keys, each composed of multiple movements that highlight the expressive range of the viola da gamba.

Marin Marais, a prominent French composer and gambist of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, is renowned for his contributions to the Baroque era. This album, originally published in Paris in 1725, is the fifth book in his series of "Pièces de violes," and it continues to be celebrated for its technical brilliance and musical depth. The suites are performed by Leif Henrikson and Lars-Erik Larsson, who bring a keen sensitivity and historical awareness to their interpretations, ensuring an authentic and engaging listening experience.

The album opens with the Suite in E Minor, a series of movements that include a Prelude, Allemande, Sarabande, and more, each showcasing Marais' ability to craft intricate melodies and harmonies. The Suite in G Major follows, offering a lighter, more dance-like atmosphere with movements such as the Gavotte and Menuet. The final suite, in G Minor, concludes the album with a sense of introspection and reflection, featuring movements like the Fantasie and the evocative "Le tombeau pour Marais le Cadet."

Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, "Pièces de violes Cinquième livre" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album's high-quality recording, available in 24-Bit/96 kHz Stereo, ensures that every nuance of the performance is captured, allowing you to fully appreciate the artistry of Marin Marais and the skill of the performers.

22 april 2016

2016 Daphne Records

About Marin Marais

Marin Marais, born in Paris in 1656, was a virtuoso viol player and prolific composer whose music continues to captivate audiences today. Studying under the renowned Jean-Baptiste Lully and the master of the bass viol, Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe, Marais honed his skills to become one of the most celebrated musicians of his time. His compositions, which include five books of Pièces de viole and four operas, are a testament to his mastery of the viol and his innovative approach to music. Marais's career flourished at the royal court of Versailles, where he was appointed as a court musician in 1676 and later became the conductor of the Paris Opera. His works, characterized by their expressive and often programmatic nature, have left an indelible mark on the Baroque era, making him a central figure in the French school of bass-viol composers and performers. Beyond his musical prowess, Marais's personal life was equally vibrant, fathering 19 children and entertaining the French royal family with his enchanting compositions.