Marais: Suite d'un goût étranger

Album Description

Dive into the enchanting world of Baroque music with Marin Marais' "Suite d'un goût étranger," a captivating collection of 30 tracks that showcase the composer's mastery and innovation. Released on September 10, 2021, under the prestigious Château de Versailles Spectacles label, this album offers an immersive journey through a variety of dance-inspired compositions, each piece a testament to Marais' unique style and influence.

Spanning a total of 1 hour and 29 minutes, the album features a rich tapestry of musical forms, including marches, sarabandes, gavottes, and gigues, among others. Marin Marais, a renowned French composer and musician of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, was known for his virtuosic skill on the viola da gamba and his prolific output of instrumental music. "Suite d'un goût étranger" is a prime example of his ability to blend traditional French dance forms with exotic influences, creating a sound that is both familiar and intriguing.

The album's title, which translates to "Suite of a Foreign Taste," hints at the eclectic mix of styles and influences that Marais incorporates into his music. From the martial rhythms of "Marche Tartare" to the delicate elegance of "La Rêveuse," each track offers a unique perspective on the composer's artistry. The performances on this recording are brought to life by the talented ensemble L'Achéron, under the direction of François Joubert-Caillet, who bring a fresh and dynamic interpretation to these timeless works.

Whether you're a seasoned Baroque enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Suite d'un goût étranger" offers a rewarding listening experience. The album's diverse range of compositions and expert performances make it an essential addition to any classical music collection. So, sit back, relax, and let the enchanting melodies of Marin Marais transport you to the opulent courts and salons of 17th-century France.

September 10, 2021

2021 Château de Versailles Spectacles

2020 Château de Versailles Spectacles

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.