Histoires d'un Ange

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Baroque music with "Histoires d'un Ange," a captivating album featuring the timeless compositions of Marin Marais. Released on November 29, 2019, under the Rubicon Classics label, this collection showcases 17 exquisite tracks that span approximately one hour, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that transport you to the elegance and sophistication of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Marin Marais, a renowned composer and virtuoso of the viola da gamba, is celebrated for his intricate and expressive pieces. This album is a testament to his mastery, featuring selections from his "Pièces de viole" and other notable works. Each track is meticulously performed, highlighting the depth and nuance of Marais' compositions.

From the delicate "Prélude en Harpègement" to the lively "Fête Champêtre," and the haunting "Chaconne," the album offers a diverse range of moods and styles. The inclusion of pieces like "La Reveuse" and "Allemande La Superbe" showcases Marais' ability to evoke both introspection and grandeur. The album also features works by François Couperin, Jean-Philippe Rameau, and Robert de Visée, adding layers of richness and variety to the listening experience.

"Histoires d'un Ange" is not just a collection of beautiful music; it is a journey through the golden age of Baroque music, where every note tells a story and every melody paints a picture. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an enriching and delightful experience.

November 29, 2019

2019 Rubicon Classics Ltd

2019 Johanna Rose

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.