Le Grand Ballet

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, baroque world of Marin Marais with "Le Grand Ballet," a stunning collection of suites and compositions that showcase the virtuosity and elegance of the French composer. Released on April 22, 2022, this album features 27 tracks, meticulously performed by Ensemble Vedado under the direction of Ronald Martin Alonso. The ensemble's delicate touch and historical authenticity bring Marais' music to life, making it a captivating experience for both classical connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

"Le Grand Ballet" draws from Marais' "Pièces de Viole" Livre III, published in 1711, and includes a variety of dance-inspired movements such as preludes, allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. Each piece is a testament to Marais' mastery of the viole de gambe, a string instrument that produces a warm, resonant sound. The album's highlight, "Le Grand Ballet," is a breathtaking showcase of Marais' compositional prowess, featuring intricate melodies and harmonies that transport the listener to the opulent courts of 17th-century France.

The album's duration of 62 minutes offers a comprehensive exploration of Marais' musical style, which blends French and Italian influences. The performances by Ensemble Vedado are marked by their precision, expressiveness, and deep understanding of baroque performance practices. The ensemble's use of period instruments and historical techniques ensures an authentic and immersive listening experience.

Marin Marais, born in Paris in 1656, was a renowned viol player and composer of the baroque era. His music is characterized by its melodic richness, harmonic complexity, and rhythmic vitality. "Le Grand Ballet" is a testament to Marais' enduring legacy and his significant contribution to the development of French baroque music.

This album is a celebration of Marin Marais' genius and a testament to the enduring power of his music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious explorer, "Le Grand Ballet" offers a captivating journey into the world of baroque music. The album's exquisite performances, historical authenticity, and rich musical content make it a standout release in the classical music landscape.

April 22, 2022

2022 Paraty

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.