Marais: Quatrième livre de pièces de viole

Album Description

Dive into the rich and intricate world of Baroque music with Marin Marais' "Quatrième livre de pièces de viole," a masterful collection of compositions that showcase the composer's unparalleled skill and innovation. Released on October 15, 2021, by Ricercar, this album is a testament to Marais' enduring legacy, published two years after the death of Louis XIV. Spanning nearly two hours, this album features a diverse array of suites, each brimming with elegant melodies and complex harmonies that highlight the beauty and versatility of the viola da gamba.

The album is performed by the esteemed ensemble L'Achéron, led by François Joubert-Caillet, who brings a deep understanding and sensitivity to Marais' music. The ensemble's performance is both technically impressive and deeply expressive, capturing the essence of each piece with precision and artistry. The album includes a variety of dance-inspired movements, such as preludes, allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, gigues, and menuets, each offering a unique glimpse into the musical landscape of the Baroque era.

Marais' compositions are known for their intricate ornamentation and rhythmic complexity, and this album is no exception. The suites range from the majestic and stately to the playful and whimsical, reflecting the composer's ability to evoke a wide range of moods and emotions. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a captivating journey through the works of one of the most influential composers of the era. The meticulous attention to detail and the ensemble's commitment to historical authenticity make this recording a standout in the world of classical music.

October 15, 2021

2021 Outhere

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.