Badinages: Marais: Works for Viola da gamba & Harpsichord

Album Description

Dive into the enchanting world of French Baroque music with "Badinages: Marais: Works for Viola da Gamba & Harpsichord," a captivating album featuring the timeless compositions of Marin Marais. Released on April 1, 2020, under the esteemed ATMA Classique label, this 56-minute collection showcases the exquisite interplay between the viola da gamba and harpsichord, performed masterfully by Mélisande Corriveau and Eric Milnes.

Marin Marais, renowned for his innovative approach to composition, is celebrated for being one of the earliest composers of program music. His works, including the iconic "The Bladder-Stone Operation," have left an indelible mark on the Baroque era. This album offers a rich tapestry of his most beloved pieces, from the delicate "Prélude" and "Allemande" to the lively "Gavotte La Favorite" and the intricate "Chaconne en rondeau."

The album's tracklist is a journey through Marais' diverse repertoire, featuring selections from his "Deuxième Suite en ré majeur," "Première Suite en ré mineur," and "Sixième Suite en mi mineur," among others. Each piece is a testament to Marais' genius, showcasing his ability to blend technical virtuosity with profound musical expression.

"Badinages" is not just a collection of tracks; it's an immersive experience that transports the listener to the opulent courts and salons of 17th-century France. The album's meticulous production and the performers' deep understanding of the Baroque style ensure an authentic and engaging listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a curious newcomer, this album promises to delight and inspire.

April 1, 2020

℗ 2020 ATMA Classique

About Marin Marais

Marin Marais, born in Paris in 1656, was a virtuoso viol player and a prolific composer whose works have left an indelible mark on the Baroque music landscape. His journey began under the tutelage of the renowned Jean-Baptiste Lully and the enigmatic Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe, from whom he absorbed the nuances of the viol. Marais' career flourished at the royal court of Versailles, where he was appointed as a court musician in 1676 and later as ordinaire de la chambre du roy pour la viole in 1679, a position he held until 1725.

Marais' compositions are a testament to his mastery of the viol, with five books of Pièces de viole that showcase his technical prowess and emotional depth. Beyond his viol works, he also composed four operas and various instrumental and vocal pieces, demonstrating his versatility as a composer. His music is notable for its balance between the harmonic idioms of the past and the innovations of his time, making it as relevant today as it was in the 17th and 18th centuries. Marais' legacy extends beyond the concert hall, with his life and music gaining wider recognition through cinematic portrayals, further cementing his status as a central figure in the French school of viol playing.