Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Baroque chamber music with "Musique pour la chambre du Roy," a captivating album by Hopkinson Smith and Jordi Savall. Released in 1999 on the Naïve Classique label, this exquisite collection spans a generous 1 hour and 44 minutes, featuring 41 meticulously crafted tracks that showcase the elegance and sophistication of medieval and chamber music genres.
Hopkinson Smith, renowned for his mastery of the theorbo, and Jordi Savall, celebrated for his virtuosity on the viola da gamba, come together to deliver a performance that is both historically informed and deeply expressive. The album is a treasure trove of suites and individual pieces, including works by Robert de Visée and other notable composers of the era. From the delicate intricacies of the Préludes to the lively rhythms of the Gavottes and Gigues, each track is a testament to the artists' technical prowess and musical sensitivity.
The album opens with the Suite pour théorbe in D Major, setting the stage for a journey through various dance forms and musical styles that were popular in the royal chambers of the 17th and 18th centuries. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "La plainte ou tombeau de Mesdemoiselles de Visée" and the lively "Entrée des espagnols de Mr de Lully," which showcase the versatility and depth of the performances.
"Musique pour la chambre du Roy" is not just an album; it is a celebration of the Baroque era's musical heritage, brought to life by two of the most respected musicians in the field. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of classical music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that will enchant and inspire.
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Tracks
Suite pour theorbe in D Major: No. 1, PréludeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Major: No. 2, AllemandeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Major: No. 3, CouranteRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Major: No. 4, GavotteRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Major: No. 5, SarabandeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Major: No. 6, GigueRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in C Minor: No. 1, PréludeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in C Minor: No. 1, La plainte ou tombeau de Mesdemoiselles de Visée, Allemande de Mr leur pèreRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in C Minor: No. 2, CouranteRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in C Minor: No. 3, SarabandeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in C Minor: No. 4, GigueRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Musette en rondeauRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 1, PréludeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 2, AllemandeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 3, CouranteRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 4, GavotteRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 5, MenuetRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 6, SarabandeRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Suite pour theorbe in D Minor: No. 7, GigueRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Entrée des espagnols de Mr de LullyRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Les Sylvains de Mr. CouperinRobert de Visée, Hopkinson Smith
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 1, PréludeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 2, AllemandeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 3, CouranteLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 4, SarabandeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 5, GigueLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 6, GavotteLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 7, MenuetLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 8, GavotteLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 1 in D Minor: No. 9, MenüetLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 3 in G Minor: No. 1, AllemandeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 3 in G Minor: No. 2, CouranteLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 3 in G Minor: No. 3, SarabandeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 3 in G Minor: No. 4, GigueLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 3 in G Minor: No. 5, GavotteLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 4 in G Major: No. 1, PréludeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 4 in G Major: No. 2, AllemandeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 4 in G Major: No. 3, CouranteLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 4 in G Major: No. 4, SarabandeLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 4 in G Major: No. 5, GigueLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Pièces de violle, Suite No. 4 in G Major: No. 6, ChaconneLe Sieur De Machy, Jordi Savall
Hopkinson Smith is a revered Swiss-American lutenist and educator, celebrated for his mastery of early plucked instruments. Born in 1946, Smith has made Basel, Switzerland, his long-term residence, from where he has captivated audiences worldwide with his expressive sensitivity and technical prowess. His intimate connection with the music of Bach and his expertise on the lute and theorbo have earned him recognition as one of the world's foremost experts in the field. Smith's recordings, such as his exquisite 2015 album released in 2021, showcase his ability to traverse the spectrum of emotions, from melancholy to sprightly, making each performance a unique and engaging experience. Whether playing medieval compositions or chamber music, Hopkinson Smith's performances are a testament to his deep understanding and passion for early music.
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Hopkinson Smith
