Improvisations sur les suites de Marin Marais

Album Description

Dive into the enchanting world of Baroque music with "Improvisations sur les suites de Marin Marais," a captivating album that breathes new life into the timeless compositions of the renowned French composer Marin Marais. Released on February 26, 2016, this album is a testament to the enduring appeal of Marais' music, expertly interpreted and performed by Gerald Stempfel and Thorsten Bleich.

Spanning a total of 24 tracks, "Improvisations sur les suites de Marin Marais" offers a rich tapestry of musical pieces drawn from various books of Marais' "Pièces de violes." The album features a diverse array of dance movements and character pieces, including gavottes, préludes, allemandes, gigues, and more. Each track is a masterclass in Baroque improvisation, showcasing the virtuosity and creativity of the performers.

The album's duration of one hour and five minutes provides ample time to immerse yourself in the intricate melodies and harmonies that define Marais' style. From the delicate "Prélude" to the lively "Gavotte I," and the intricate "Fantaisie," each piece is a journey through the Baroque era's rich musical landscape.

Gerald Stempfel and Thorsten Bleich bring their unique interpretations to these classic works, infusing them with a fresh perspective while remaining faithful to the original spirit of Marais' compositions. Their performances are marked by a deep understanding of the Baroque style, evident in the nuanced phrasing and expressive playing.

"Improvisations sur les suites de Marin Marais" is a delightful addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are a seasoned Baroque aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding listening experience. The meticulous attention to detail and the performers' evident passion for the music make this album a standout in the world of classical recordings.

26 februari 2016

Gerald Stempfel und Thorsten Bleich

Conditura records

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.