Marais: Dans les jardins d'Eurytus

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Baroque music with "Marais: Dans les jardins d'Eurytus," a captivating album featuring the timeless compositions of Marin Marais. Released in 2016, this exquisite collection showcases the virtuosity of Marie van Rhijn, a talented interpreter who brings these historical pieces to life with remarkable skill and sensitivity.

The album is a treasure trove of 35 meticulously crafted tracks, spanning over an hour and twelve minutes of pure musical bliss. It includes a variety of pieces from Marais' "Pièces de clavecin tirées d'Alcide," as well as selections from his Second Livre, such as the haunting "Tombeau pour M. de Lully." Each piece is performed with a deep understanding of the style and spirit of the Baroque era, making this album a delight for both classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre.

Marie van Rhijn's debut recording on the clavecin is a testament to her artistry and dedication to historical performance practice. The album was recorded on a beautifully preserved clavecin from 1679, adding an authentic touch to the performances. Whether you're a seasoned listener of Baroque music or just discovering the genre, "Marais: Dans les jardins d'Eurytus" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

January 22, 2016

2015 Evidence/Little Tribeca

2015 Marie van Rhijn

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.