Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French Baroque music with "Marais at Midnight," a captivating album featuring the exquisite compositions of Marin Marais. This album, released by Centaur Records, showcases the masterful performances of viola da gambist Laura Jeppesen and theorboist-lutenist Catherine Liddell, who bring to life the intricate and expressive pieces from Marais' renowned "Pièces de viole."
Marin Marais, a prominent figure in the court of Louis XIV, is celebrated for his profound contributions to the Baroque era. His compositions, characterized by their depth and elegance, are beautifully interpreted in this collection. The album spans a variety of suites and excerpts, each offering a unique glimpse into Marais' musical genius. From the delicate "Prélude en harpègement" to the lively "Rondeau moitié pincé," every track is a testament to Marais' ability to evoke a range of emotions and atmospheres.
"Marais at Midnight" is not just a collection of beautiful music; it is a journey through the rich tapestry of Baroque elegance. The performances by Jeppesen and Liddell are meticulously crafted, capturing the essence of Marais' compositions with precision and passion. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
The album's duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes is perfectly paced, allowing each piece to unfold naturally and engage the listener from start to finish. The exquisite interplay between the viola da gamba and theorbo creates a lush and immersive soundscape, making "Marais at Midnight" a standout addition to any music collection. Dive into the timeless beauty of Marin Marais' compositions and let the music transport you to the opulent courts of 17th-century France.
2021 Centaur Records, Inc.2021 Centaur Records, Inc.
Tracks
Pièces de viole, Book 5, Suite No. 1 in A Minor (Excerpts): XVI. Prélude en harpègementMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 3, Suite No. 1 in A Minor: XI. PreludeMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 5, Suite No. 1 in A Minor (Excerpts): I. Prelude le SoligniMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 5, Suite No. 1 in A Minor (Excerpts): II. Allemande la facileMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 5, Suite No. 1 in A Minor (Excerpts): III. SarabandeMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 5, Suite No. 1 in A Minor (Excerpts): XV. Rondeau moitié pincéMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 4, Suite d'un goût etranger: No. 27, La rêveuseMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 3, Suite No. 8 in C Major (Excerpts): I. PréludeMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 3, Suite No. 8 in C Major (Excerpts): III. Allemande - IV. DoubleMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 3, Suite No. 8 in C Major (Excerpts): V. SarabandeMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 3, Suite No. 8 in C Major (Excerpts): VII. Courante VIII. DoubleMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 3, Suite No. 8 in C Major (Excerpts): X. Gavotte en rondeauMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 3, Suite No. 8 in C Major (Excerpts): XIII. Saillie du caféMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 5, Suite No. 6 in G Major: IX. Rondeau le TrailleurMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 4, Suite No. 6 in E Minor (Excerpts): X. La matelotteMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 2, Suite No. 6 in E Minor: VI. Sarabande a l'españolMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 4, Suite No. 6 in E Minor (Excerpts): XI. La BiscayenneMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 4, Suite No. 5 in A Major: VII. Le basqueMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 2, Suite No. 3 in D Major (Excerpts): I. PreludeMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 2, Suite No. 3 in D Major (Excerpts): IV. Allemande - V. DoubleMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 3, Suite No. 4 in D Minor (Excerpts): V. SarabandeMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 3, Suite No. 4 in D Minor (Excerpts): XVI. PlainteMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 2, Suite No. 3 in D Major (Excerpts): XVII. RondeauMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 2, Suite No. 3 in D Major (Excerpts): No. 22, Les voix humainesMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 4, Suite No. 2 in D Major: VII. Rondeau le gracieuxMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 3, Suite No. 4 in D Minor (Excerpts): VI. La foletteMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
Pièces de viole, Book 3, Suite No. 4 in D Minor (Excerpts): XVII. ChaconneMarin Marais, Laura Jeppesen, Catherine Liddell
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.
Vinylscout
Marin Marais
